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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2016 


https://archive.org/details/memorialtorevorlOOston 


LIBRARY 
OF  THE 

««1YER8ITY  OF  ILLINOIS 


A MEMORIAL 


TO  THE 


Rev.  Orlando  Burdett  Stone 


PREPARED  BY  HIS  WIFE 


BLOOMINGTON,  ILL. 
1889 


(7  J£4-6  ml- S 


B 


o 


r- 


^JP^HIRTY-SEVEN  years  have  passed  since  on  the  morning 
of  the  8th  of  October,  1851,  my  life  was  united  with  that 
of  the  subject  of  this  Memorial.  How  swiftly  they  have 
flown,  freighted  with  their  changeful  scenes,  eastward  and  west- 
ward; laden  with  joys;  busy  with  sowing  and  reaping;  blessed 
with  new  lives  intrusted  to  us,  and  hopes  in  which  we  were  all 
sharers.  Strange  that  we  two  must  share  pain  and  helplessness 
also,  but  so  our  Father  ordered,  and  He  who  led  us  into  the 
shadows  gave  also  his  rod  and  his  staff  to  comfort  us. 

Now  all  is  changed.  He,  the  companion  of  my  life,  is  gone 
from  us.  I look  at  the  empty  sofa,  and  at  the  empty  chair,  and 
know  he  will  never  fill  them  again.  Love  could  not  stay  the 
tide  of  disease;  could  not  assuage  suffering;  nor  could  it  shut 
out  the  pale,  grim  messenger;  nay,  rather  love  has  followed  the 
freed  spirit  into  the  unseen  and  rejoiced  in  his  unspeakable  joy; 
has  felt  his  happiness  in  greeting  loved  ones,  and  has  shared 
with  him  the  rapturous  gaze  upon  the  face  of  Him,  without 
whose  presence,  there  would  be  no  heaven.  To  me  there  are 
two  lives  now,  for  I seem  scarcely  to  be  sundered  in  spirit  from 
him  who  has  been  summoned  hence,  and  yet  am  still  earthly, 
with  earthly  lives  about  me,  upon  whom  my  own  life  should  fall 
as  a blessing. 

It  is  partly  with  the  hope  that  I may  contribute  a little  to 
such  a result  in  the  gratification  and  profit  of  friends,  that  this 
brief  Memorial  Volume  is  prepared.  The  review  has  been 

5 

I 09 1115 


fraught  with  pleasure  to  the  one  that  is  left,  who  now  prays  that 
this  many-sided  aspect  of  a life,  consecrated  to  the  good  of 
others,  may  serve  to  prolong  his  influence,  and  the  remem- 
brances prove  a benediction,  fragrant  to  the  glory  of  God. 


6 


nRLANDO  B.  stone  was  born  in  Homer,  N.  Y.,  Sep- 
tember  24,  1823.  He  received  a religious  training  from 
pious  parents,  and  while  a child  listened  to  the  earnest 
preaching  of  the  Rev.  Alfred  Bennett.  The  Spirit  of  God 
from  time  to  time  impressed  his  heart,  wooing  him  to  Christ’s 
service.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  the  surrender  was  made, 
and  yet  almost  immediately  doubts  and  fears  beset  him. 
For  two  years  he  groped  in  darkness,  when  he  decided 
to  act  upon  the  light  he  had  received  and  was  baptized 
by  Rev.  Edward  Bright,  then  pastor  of  the  Homer  church 
— now  Dr.  Bright  of  the  Examiner,  With  this  decision 
came  others.  One  was  that  he  would  always  speak  or  pray  in 
the  prayer-meeting  if  there  was  opportunity.  Very  soon  another 
matured — that  he  would  acquire  an  education,  whatever  it  might 
cost  him,  and  enter  the  ministry,  God  willing.  His  father  died 
while  he  was  yet  sixteen,  leaving  on  him  the  care  of  a farm,  an 
invalid  mother  and  eight  younger  children.  While  thus  work- 
ing the  farm,  he  studied  while  others  rested,  at  noon  and  till 
eleven  at  night,  and  after  spending  less  than  eighteen  months  in 
Homer  Academy,  entered  the  sophomore  year  of  Madison  Uni- 
versity in  the  fall  of  1847,  graduating  in  1850.  The  same  year 
he  entered  Rochester  Theological  Seminary.  While  there  he 
supplied  the  church  in  Attica  about  two  years,  preparing  two 
sermons  each  week.  He  was  married  on  the  8th  of  October, 
1851,  and  on  the  following  Sabbath  commenced  his  work  in 
Xenia,  Ohio.  In  the  following  March  he  was  ordained.  Dr.  D 
B.  Cheney,  then  of  Columbus,  preaching  his  ordination  sermon. 
All  througli  his  course  of  study  he  had  the  foreign  mission  work 
in  view.  Insurmountable  obstacles  prevented  the  realization  of 
this  wish.  Now  a very  precious  work  of  grace  attended  his 
labors,  but  he  felt  he  was  only  tarrying  there  for  further  indica- 


7 


tions  of  God’s  will.  These  came  in  repeated  and  pressing  invi- 
tations to  enter  the  home  missions  service,  and  resulted  in  our 
sailing  as  home  missionaries  to  California,  in  December,  1853. 
His  first  pastorate  was  in  a mining  town,  Nevada  City,  and  his 
first  v:ork  there  was  to  harmonize  elements,  organize  a church 
and  commence  the  erection  of  a house  of  worship.  Here,  as 
it  seemed  to  the  writer,  he  laid  himself  anew  upon  God’s  altar 
with  the  absorbing  desire  to  accomplish  as  much  for  the  cause 
of  Christ  as  life  and  strength  would  permit.  And  this  one 
object  never  forsook  him.  It  was  a place  for  pioneer  work. 
Hardships  and  difficulties  beset  him.  The  church  was  built, 
burned  and  rebuilt.  He  frequently  visited  the  mining  towns, 
sometimes  preaching  in  the  gambling-saloons,  with  the  card- 
table  for  a pulpit,  but  always  listened  to  respectfully.  In  Grass 
Valley,  four  miles  away,  he  organized  a mission  church,  where  a 
third  service  was  held  every  Sabbath.  Thus  four  years  were 
spent. 

An  earnest  call  from  the  valley  now  reached  him,  and  in 
January,  1858,  he  left  the  mountains  and  commenced  a pastorate 
in  San  Jose.  There,  also,  his  first  work  after  rallying  the  church 
was  to  build  a church  edifice,  which  was  of  brick,  entirely  paid 
for  and,  at  that  time,  the  best  in  the  city.  In  Santa  Clara,  three 
miles  away,  he  organized  a church  and  built  a house  of  worship 
for  them.  These  two  fields  occupied  his  time  and  efforts  on  the 
Sabbath,  in  prayer-meetings,  pastoral  work  and  revival  seasons 
for  six  years. 

In  March,  1864,  we  sailed  again,  homeward  bound.  The 
next  three  years  were  spent  among  the  churches  of  the  West  as 
secretary  of  the  Home  Mission  Society.  The  West,  as  then 
defined  by  the  Society,  was  all  the  field  west  of  New  York  and 
Pennsylvania.  A sphere  of  greater  responsibility  was  then 
offered  to  him,  as  associate  of  Dr.  Backus  in  the  Home  Mission 
rooms,  with  choice  of  southern  or  western  fields.  But  the 
pastorate  had  his  first  love.  After  spending  a short  time  with  a 
church  in  central  New  York,  where  there  was  a most  interesting 
revival,  he  accepted,  in  October,  1867,  a call  from  the  church 
in  Lafayette,  Ind.  Here  was  done  the  hardest  work  of  his  life. 
The  first  year  was  blessed  with  a powerful  work  of  grace.  For 


8 


thirteen  weeks  meetings  were  held  continuously.  During  most 
of  the  time  morning  meetings  were  held  from  eight  till  nine  in 
the  conference  room  of  the  church,  crowded  with  worshipers  and 
inquirers.  Over  seventy  were  baptized  as  the  fruits  of  this 
revival.  At  one  time  thirty-three  were  baptized  in  the  canal, 
among  them  his  oldest  son,  the  ice  being  cut  for  the  occasion. 
So  pervading  was  the  religious  interest  throughout  the  city  that 
the  opera  house  was  closed  from  lack  of  patronage.  Each 
winter  the  work  was  resumed  with  precious  results.  Two  mis- 
sions were  established.  In  Chauncey,  across  the  river,  meet- 
ings were  held,  resulting  in  the  baptism  of  a large  number,  the 
organization  of  a church  of  fifty  members  and  the  building  of  a 
house  of  worship.  To  this  mission  church  he  gave  a third  ser- 
vice on  the  Sabbath  and  pastoral  watch  care  as  long  as  he 
remained  in  Lafayette.  Also,  the  fine  church  edifice  in  which 
the  First  church  now  worship  was  erected  but  not  completed 
before  the  close  of  his  pastorate.  While  Mr.  Stone  was  in 
Lafayette  he  assisted  Bro.  Stimson,  of  Terre  Haute,  in  revival 
meetings,  and  also  the  church  in  Richmond,  Ind. 

After  three  years,  malarial  chills  drove  him  to  Illinois,  and 
in  January,  1871,  he  settled  with  the  First  church  in  Rockford. 
This  church  was  imperiled  by  the  division  under  Dr.  Kerr.  His 
erroneous  views  had  permeated  the  community.  It  was  my 
husband’s  chief  mission  there  to  hold  up  a standard  against  these 
destroying  influences,  and  to  save  the  church  from  ruin.  Con- 
versions and  baptisms  occurred,  among  whom  were  two  of  his 
own  children.  The  second  winter  was  mostly  spent  in  assisting 
in  meetings  with  Bro.  Guy  at  Brimfield,  Bro.  Haighat  Mendota, 
and  Brn.  Fulton  and  Miner  at  Belvidere.  In  November,  1872, 
he  accepted  the  call  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Marengo.  There, 
after  three  weeks  of  discouraging  effort,  a glorious  revival 
resulted.  God  wondrously  blessed  the  young  people.  One 
evening  sixteen  young  ladies  in  a Sabbath-class  were  baptized 
together,  and  the  next  evening  about  an  equal  number  of  young 
men  from  another  class.  The  work  was  wide  extended  and 
great  numbers  found  Christ.  One  old  man  of  eighty  years  was 
baptized.  The  revival  spirit  seemed  scarcely  to  leave  the 
church,  and  every  winter  there  were  renewed  efforts,  sweet 


9 


refreshiags  and  new  converts  coming  out  on  the  Lord’s  side 
Here  he  was  permitted  to  baptize  his  youngest  son.  Revival 
meetings  were  also  held  at  two  out-stations  with  precious 
results.  The  fragrance  of  these  hallowed  scenes  was  very  sweet 
in  after  years,  when  he  could  toil  no  more,  and  in  memory  he 
lived  over  again  the  joyous  harvest  seasons  of  his  life. 

Thus  far  a remarkably  strong  constitution  had  sustained  him 
in  doing  double  work  in  his  various  fields,  yet  he  constantly 
mourned  his  unfaithfulness.  In  the  autumn  of  1876  a call  from 
the  church  in  Bloomington  came,  was  finally  listened  to  and 
accepted  and  he  commenced  his  labors  here  the  first  Sabbath  in 
November.  Of  his  work  in  Bloomington  I need  not  speak.  A 
suffering  wife  fell  to  his  care  in  the  fall  of  1878.  Time,  strength 
and  sympathies  were  all  taxed  by  day  and  by  night.  Everything 
which  a loving  husband  could  do,  he  did.  Yet  his  longing  to 
see  another  revival  here  led  him  into  another  series  of  meetings,, 
which  altogether  broke  down  his  over-strained  system,  and  in 
the  midst  of  inquiring  sinners  and  happy  converts  he  ended  his 
work.  This  was  early  in  1880.  Nine  years  of  mutual  com- 
panionship in  suffering  have  been  spent,  wherein  we  have 
prayed  together  and  praised  God  together;  years  in  which  he 
ceased  not  one  care  for  his  wife  until  weakness  compelled  him; 
years  of  very  gradual  decline,  passing  into  extreme  suffering,  till 
finally  the  weary  one  went  peacefully  to  rest  on  the  morning  of 
the  20th  of  February,  1889.  To  the  smitten  ones  he  leaves  the 
legacy  of  prayers  and  holy  memories,  which,  God  grant,  may 
bear  like  precious  fruit  till  the  joyous  meeting  of  the  “ sweet  by 
and  by.” 


10 


^jemittiscjensje 


The  preceding  sketch  was  prepared  for,  and  read  at, 
the  Memorial  Service  of  March  12.  Some  incidents  and 
characteristics  of  Mr.  Stone’s  life  are  also  recalled,  which 
may  serve  to  fill  the  outline,  and  to  photograph  upon  our 
hearts  his  real  manhood. 


HAVE  never  uttered  a profane  word,  do  not  know  the 
taste  of  liquors,  and  have  never  used  tobacco,”  was  a 
^ statement  which  in  his  later  years  the  father  made  to  his 
sons.  Surely,  a watchful,  parental  eye  was  over  the  lad,  and  a 
Divine  Father  was  guarding  the  character  of  the  boy,  whose  life 
was  to  be  spent  in  His  service.  The  developments  of  his  man- 
hood began  in  his  home,  in  his  childhood  where  was  the  seed- 
sowing, and  the  laying  of  foundations.  There  God  met 
him  by  His  grace,  breathing  into  him  the  new  life  of  the 
Christian.  There  the  providence  which  early  bereaved  him  of 
a father,  and  threw  upon  him  the  heavy  cares  of  a man,  devel- 
oped the  strong  forces  of  self-reliance  within  him.  At  his  home 
came  to  him  the  call  to  go  and  preach  Christ,  and  there  was 
born  the  persistent  purpose  to  obtain  the  necessary  preparation, 
though  without  apparent  resources. 

A passing  notice  should  be  given  to  the  parents  in  that 
home.  Both  were  of  New-England  stock,  possessed  of  earnest 
piety  and  of  sturdy  common  sense.  His  father,  Thomas  Stone, 
came  from  Brimfield,  Mass.,  and  was  one  of  those  upright, 
industrious,  worthy  pioneers,  who  gave  Homer  its  high  character 
in  Central  New  York.  His  first  wife  was  reputed  a most  excel- 
lent woman,  and  was  the  mother  of  eight  children,  of  whom  the 
Rev.  Marsena  Stone,  D.  D.,  who  has  been  both  educator  and 
preacher,  and  for  several  years  has  given  much  time  to  the 
colored  ministry  of  the  South,  still  lives  and  labors.  His  second 
wife  was  Desire  Wing,  who  bore  him  ten  children,  and  who  died 
in  1 88 1,  while  living  with  her  son.  Watts  Stone,  in  Chicago^ 
She  was  a woman  of  strong  character  and  superior  mental- 
abilities.  While  still  with  her  little  ones  about  her,  health  failed; 
but  from  my  first  knowledge  of  her  she  has  ever  borne  the 
stamp  of  a happy  Christian  woman.  Most  naturally,  her  con- 
versation would  always  fall  upon  religious  themes.  Though 


13 


suffering  physically  and  mentally  beyond  our  power  to  under- 
stand, one  could  scarcely  be  in  her  presence  ten  minutes,  but 
there  would  be  some  expression  of  loving  trust  in  her  Father 
or  of  longing  expectation  of  her  Savior.  An  out-and-out 
Christian  woman,  separate  from  the  world,  she  lived  in  an 
elevated  sphere,  which  was  recognized  by  all  who  knew  her. 
Orlando  was  the  second  child  of  this  mother,  and  received  from 
both  parents  impressions  which  gave  strength  and  tone  to  his 
character. 

Among  the  habits  formed  in  his  youth,  was  that  of  great 
self-control,  which  was  an  abiding  feature  of  his  life.  When 
reviled,  he  answered  not.  One  instance  is  recalled  which  well 
illustrates  his  habit.  It  occurred  at  a church  meeting  in  the 
early  days  of  California,  when  a member  present  was  exceed- 
ingly exasperating,  purposely  to  draw  forth  bitter  replies  from 
the  pastor,  and  so  ensnare  him.  He  quietly  waited  till  the 
brother  was  through,  then,  with  his  usual  manner,  arose  and 
said,  ‘‘we  will  close  the  meeting  by  singing  the  doxology.’’ 
The  trying  member  afterwards  complained,  “he  don’t  know 
when  he  is  abused.” 

This  self-control  under  trying  circumstances,  sustained  him 
in  every  ordeal  through  which  he  was  called  to  pass.  It  shone 
conspicuously  in  his  long  years  of  increasing  helplessness  and 
suffering,  when  the  agitation  of  his  body  was  past  control. 
Wearisome  days,  and  sleepless  nights  and  excruciating  pain 
never  drew  from  him  a murmur  or  a groan.  Like  David,  he 
had  set  a guard  over  his  lips  that  they  should  not  transgress. 

Akin  to  this  was  his  strong  decision  of  character.  Conclu- 
sions concerning  his  own  course  of  action  were  soon  reached, 
and  seldom  did  he  have  occasion  to  regret  them.  In  his  family, 
too,  when  he  had  decided  what  was  right  for  his  children,  it  was 
final.  And,  as  in  early  life,  his  firm  decisions  moulded  his 
religious  character  and  led  him  through  all  obstacles  to  the 
ministry,  so,  in  after  life,  they  greatly  enhanced  his  usefulness. 
Like  Paul  he  asked,  “ Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do,”  ard 
then,  conferring  not  with  flesh  and  blood,  he  did  it.  With  him, 
to  decide  was  to  act.  Without  halting  or  questioning,  he  moved 
right  along  with  a despatch  which  was  sometimes  surprising. 


14 


One  illustration  is  remembered  just  now.  At  a State  Associa- 
tion, he  was  appointed  chairman  of  a committee  to  issue  a 
circular  to  his  brethren,  appealing  for  funds  for  the  state  work. 
The  next  morning  when  some  suggestions  were  made  to  him 
about  the  circular,  he  replied  that  it  was  already  written, 
printed,  and  then  ready  for  distribution  among  the  brethren 
before  they  should  separate.  I may  add  that  the  circular  met 
with  a hearty  response,  more  than  supplying  the  deficiency. 

Punctuality  to  his  appointments  was  like  the  law  of  the 
Medes  and  Persians.”  He  told  his  brethren  if  he  was  two 
minutes  late  they  might  call  him  to  account  for  it.  Ordinarily, 
he  was  as  prompt  in  closing  a meeting  as  in  commencing  it. 

His  convictions  on  doctrinal  truths  were  positive.  A thus 
saith  the  Lord”  was  sufficient.  He  delivered  his  message  as  he 
received  it.  He  would  sometimes  say,  “ no  one  knows  the 
temptations  of  the  minister  to  turn  aside  from  the  plain,  unpalat- 
able truths  of  the  Gospel,  and  pander  to  popular  tastes.”  But 
the  grace  of  God,  and  a sense  of  his  accountability  for  the 
immortal  interests  intrusted  to  him,  held  him  to  the  high  pur- 
pose of  preaching  the  truth  plainly  and  letting  God  care  for  the 
results.  There  was  a time  in  the  early  part  of  his  ministry, 
when  he  had  questionings  upon  the  subject  of  the  future  punish- 
ment of  the  wicked,  and  how  he  should  present  it.  But  they 
were  all  solved  in  this  decision — to  invariably  use  the  language 
of  Scripture  when  treating  it.  He  had  no  more  trouble  with 
that  doctrine,  but  rather  from  the  stronghold  of  truth,  plead 
with  sinners  to  escape  eternal  wrath,  by  fleeing  to  Christ,  the 
Savior  provided  for  them. 

The  distinctive  principles  which  characterize  his  own  denom- 
ination were  broadly  comprehended  and  claimed  as  an  honor- 
able heritage.  No  one  of  these  did  he  shrink  from  presenting 
when  occasion  demanded.  Such  an  occasion  once  occurred, 
when  the  people  of  a certain  town  were  greatly  stirred  by  ques- 
tions as  to  the  mode  and  subjects  of  baptism.  All  the  pro- 
fessors of  a Pedobaptist  college  came  in  to  listen.  After 
replying  to  statements  and  arguments  which  had  been  adduced, 
he  challenged  any  one  present  to  find  an  instance  in  which  the 
Greek  word  for  baptize  signified  anything  but  immersion,  prom- 


15 


ising  to  give  his  library  to  the  person  who  would  do  it. 
Although  the  Greek  professor  excused  his  classes  for  several 
days  to  make  the  research,  the  library  was  never  claimed. 

This  staunch  advocacy  of  the  peculiar  tenets  of  his  own 
denomination  did  not  prevent  most  cordial  relations  between 
himself  and  his  brethren  who  differed  from  him.  When  he  was 
about  to  take  his  family  from  Bloomington  to  Kansas  in  search 
of  health,  it  was  one  of  the  Presbyterian  pastors  who  proposed 
the  farewell  reception  which  was  given  him.  Many  were  the 
kind  words  of  affection  and  esteem  which  were  then  spoken  by 
his  associates  from  other  churches,  and  while  they  credited  him 
with  being  “a  Baptist  to  the  backbone,”  they  averred  that  it 
only  increased  their  respect  for  him. 

The  patriotism  of  my  husband  was  not  left  to  be  inferred. 
When  Fort  Sumter  was  taken,  he  was  pastor  of  a church  whose 
members  represented  all  parts  of  our  country.  Yet  there  was 
one  dividing  line,  the  North  and  the  South.  The  echoes  of  the 
cannon  reached  California.  The  consequences  of  a decided 
course  of  action  were  plain  to  be  seen.  But  when  he  entered 
his  pulpit,  he  unfurled,  as  it  were,  the  flag  of  the  union  to  his 
audience.  His  prayer  was  for  its  preservation.  His  text  was 
announced — ‘^In  Him  all  things  consist.”  Our  dependence 
upon  God  to  hold  us  together  as  a people,  was  dwelt  upon. 
While  the  sermon  was  being  preached,  one  after  another  of  the 
Southern  members  arose  and  went  out,  till  we  were  left  a purely 
patriotic  congregation,  and  so  continued. 

He  ever  felt  that  he  had  obligations  to  his  country  to  be 
fulfilled  at  the  polls  as  elsewhere.  An  essay  which  he  wrote 
upon  this  subject  for  the  Pastoral  Union,  meeting  at  Alton, 
1S75,  published  at  the  request  of  his  brethren,  in  which  he 
showed  his  own  ardent  convictions  as  to  the  duties  of  the 
Christian  citizen.  The  last  time  he  left  his  house,  previous  to 
his  decease,  he  was  carried  to  the  polls,  and  deposited  his  vote. 

From  the  path  of  duty,  or  apparent  duty,  he  never  wavered. 
It  is  right — that  was  sufficient;  neither  was  it  irksome.  ‘‘The 
love  of  Christ  constraineth  me,”  was  the  text  of  one  of  his 
sermons.  This  was  the  prominent  thought:  when  the  love  of 
Christ  is  supreme  in  our  hearts,  it  controls  all  our  acts.  Spon- 


16 


taneoiisly  we  shall  speak,  and  act,  and  live  for  Christ,  not  wait- 
ing for  a command,  or  the  compulsion  of  duty.  T.ove  will 
])rompt  to  a right  course,  and  love  will  obey  without  conscious 
resistance.  The  will  of  Cod  will  be  our  will,  and  duty  our 
delight.  In  a large  degree  this  sentiment  was  the  ruling  princi- 
])le  of  his  life.  Self-denials  and  hardships  were  borne  unhesi- 
tatingly and  cheerfully  when  the  finger  of  God  so  indicated. 

An  incident  illustrating  this,  as  also  God’s  providential  care 
at  such  times,  occurred  in  California.  While  living  in  Nevada, 
little  Ella,  the  angel  of  our  home,  was  sick,  and  we  feared  the 
result.  Then  came  a call  from  a church  in  a distant  mining 
town  to  come  and  ordain  their  pastor.  Should  he  go?  Labor- 
ers all  equipped  were  needed.  The  ministry  was  scattered,  and 
it  might  prove  a failure  if  he  were  not  there.  He  decided  to 
leave  his  family  in  God’s  care,  and  go  on  the  mission.  It  was 
the  rainy  season.  Starting  in  the  night,  he  reached  Auburn 
by  stage  Saturday  a.  m.,  and  thence  twenty  miles  brought  him 
to  his  destination,  where  he  examined  the  candidate,  ordained 
him  and  preached  three  sermons  on  the  Sabbath,  no  other 
minister  being  present.  After  spending  a night,  sleepless  with 
anxiety,  he  arose  before  light,  and  leaving  a note  on  his  table, 
started  to  walk  the  twenty  miles  homeward.  On  the  way  a kind 
lady  gave  him  breakfast,  which  he  ate  as  he  went.  Up  hill  and 
down  he  hastened,  reaching  Auburn  at  noon,  just  in  time  to 
throw  himself  into  the  stage  as  it  was  departing,  and  entering 
his  home  in  the  evening  while  his  wife  was  on  her  knees  praying 
for  his  return  ere  their  child  should  die.  God  had  anticipated 
the  prayer,  and  what  thanks  we  gave  to  Him  that  night,  that 
His  servant  was  not  one  minute  too  late  at  Auburn. 

How  this  unselfish  surrender  of  himself  to  the  claims  of 
love  and  duty  led  him  on,  even  to  martyrdom,  was  told, 
lately,  by  a brother.  When  the  care  of  his  wife  was  taxing  him 
so  that  it  was  feared  his  health  would  give  way,  some  of  his 
brethren  urged  him  to  hire  a strong  woman  to  take  his  place. 
His  reply  was,  “She  is  my  wife,  I cannot  give  her  into 
another’s  care.”  Sad  as  the  result  was  ever  to  his  wife,  he  never 
expressed  a regret  for  his  decision,  but  rather  regretted  that  he 
did  not  resign  his  pastoral  work  sooner. 


17 


Perhaps  right  here,  it  may  be  pardoned  if  reference  is  had  to 
his  life-long  devotion  as  a husband.  Ever  unselfish,  gentle  and 
tender  as  a mother’s  love,  he  blessed  the  trusting,  nestling  wife 
with  almost  uninterrupted  happiness.  In  his  counsel  she  rested. 
His  care  warded  off  every  ill  possible.  When  away  from  all 
near  friends,  his  love  made  home  bright.  He  claimed  her 
presence  in  his  visits,  led  and  aided  her  in  Christian  work,  and 
comforted  her  with  his  strong  sympathy  when  death  invaded 
their  home.  That  one  so  perfect  in  this  relation  should  at  last 
relinquish  life  work  and  life  itself  through  his  devotion,  has 
ever  been  the  bitterest  part  of  the  cup  which  has  fallen  to  the 
wife.  To  complain  she  could  not,  while  husband  and  children 
were  spared,  and  now  that  he  is  gone,  cherishes  the  comforting 
words  he  uttered  in  his  weakness,  “ Tell  mother  we  will  soon 
be  together.” 

He  habitually  trusted  in  the  Lord  for  guidance.  A favorite 
passage  was  Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord,  trust  also  in 
Him,  and  he  shall  bring  it  to  pass.”  As  he  committed  all  to 
the  Lord,  he  had  perfect  confidence  that  God  had  also  fulfilled 
His  part. 

He  learned  a lesson  of  trust  when  a young  man,  which  he 
never  forgot.  He  was  going  from  B to  W , and  antici- 

pated being  present  at  the  closing  exercises  of  its  Seminary. 
He  must  go  by  boat  and  stage.  It  was  the  first  day  of  boat 
travel  for  the  season.  Two  vessels  were  preparing  for  the  trip. 
Whichever  went  first,  he  wished  to  take.  Each  captain  claimed 
this  for  his  boat.  After  a day  of  watching  to  and  fro,  he  went 
aboard  one  and  settled  for  the  night,  when,  to  his  great  chagrin, 
the  other  steamed  out  into  the  lake,  and  went  on  its  way.  His 
own  boat,  at  length,  started,  but  made  such  slow  progress,  that 
he  despaired  of  connecting  with  the  stage.  Finally  it  put  to 
shore  for  coal.  Now,  he  thought,  he  was  doomed  to  certain 
disappointment.  He  went  on  land,  made  inquiries,  and  found 
he  was  close  by  the  place  he  was  trying  to  reach.  All  his  worry 
had  been  for  nothing.  All  the  time  God  was  taking  him  by  the 
most  direct  route,  to  his  destination.  This  was  his  lesson. 
It  seemed  he  could  never  afterwards  doubt  the  Guiding  Hand 
which  was  leading  him  in  just  the  best  way. 


His  pastoral  changes  were  referred  implicitly  to  the  same 
guidance.  And  his  council  to  the  young  who  consulted  him 
was,  “Be  not  anxious;  leave  all  with  the  Lord;  he  will  direct 
you.” 

When  misfortunes  came,  they  brought  no  distrust  with  them. 
God  had  chosen  his  path.  It  might  seem  dark  and  mysterious 
now,  but  eternity  would  make  all  clear. 

He  habitually  trusted  in  God’s  care,  also,  and  God  cared  for 
him.  In  the  mountains  of  California,  he  was  once  providen- 
tially saved  from  sudden  death.  A mill  pond  was  covered  with 
logs.  He  stepped  upon  one  which  was  treacherous,  and  in  an 
instant  was  beneath  the  logs,  where  the  water  was  20  feet  deep. 
He  could  not  rise  to  the  top,  he  did  not  sink,  he  could  not 
swim,  but  struggled  toward  the  shore,  till  his  friend,  brought  by 
cries  above  the  noise  of  the  mill,  reached  him  with  a pole,  and 
drew  him  to  land.  He  was  safe;  his  work  was  not  yet  done. 

Again,  in  the  East,  starting  down  a long,  steep  hill,  with 
wife  and  baby  Alice  by  his  side,  the  harness  broke,  letting  the 
buggy  against  the  horse’s  heels.  It  seemed  that  the  frightened 
horse  would  quickly  bear  us  to  destruction,  but  He  who  is  over 
all,  saw  the  danger,  and  soon  quieted  the  animal  to  perfect 
gentleness.  Repairs  were  made,  and  we  went  on  rejoicing 
in  our  deliverance.  When  traveling  as  Home  Mission  Secre- 
tary, never  an  accident  befel  his  train,  though  they  went  before 
and  followed  him. 

“ The  I.ord  will  provide,”  was  his  one  answer  to  all  ques- 
tionings about  the  future.  When  health  had  failed  and  work 
had  ceased,  a friend  said  to  him,  “It  seems  as  though  it  was  a 
dark  day  for  you.”  “Yes,”  he  answered,  “ but  I never  felt  more 
at  peace  in  my  life.”  If  we  live  to  the  glory  of  God,  God  will 
take  care  of  us.  So  true  is  it,  “ Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  perfect 
peace  whose  mind  is  stayed  on  thee,  because  he  trusteth  in  thee.” 

“Lend  a Hand,”  is  the  beautiful  motto  of  the  King’s 
Daughters,  and  to  lend  a hand  was  one  of  my  husband’s  pleas- 
ures. In  the  mines  of  California  an  aged  and  feeble  brother, 
without  friends,  was  persuaded  by  him  to  entrust  him  with  his 
earnings,  which  were  slipping  from  him.  For  many  years  our 
house  was  a home  for  him,  and  when  we  left  California,  he  had 


19 


the  pleasure  of  receiving  from  my  husband  over  two  thousand 
dollars,  the  accumulation  of  his  savings. 

To  young  men  of  promise  he  was  especially  drawn,  that  he 
might  lead  them  forth  to  a life  work  of  usefulness.  If  they 
were  successful,  that  was  a sufficient  reward.  How  his  heart 
was  gladdened,  when  such  became  earnest  workers  for  Jesus,  and 
gathering  sheaves  for  the  heavenly  kingdom. 

If  he  could  give  a lift  to  a brother  in  the  ministry,  it  was 
counted  as  a privilege,  and  several  times  a box  of  books  from 
his  library  went  to  their  assistance,  while  he  gladly  gave  personal 
aid,  whenever  home  duties  would  permit. 

His  interest  in  missions,  both  home  and  foreign,  continued 
through  life.  He  not  only  gave  liberally  himself,  but  he  stirred 
up  the  gifts  of  his  brethren.  I think  the  churches  to  which  he 
ministered  will  acknowledge  his  power  to  reach  their  purses  as 
well  as  their  hearts  in  behalf  of  these  objects.  The  gifts  of 
some  were  so  generous  as  to  command  the  admiration  of  my 
husband,  and  I believe  a stimulus  for  life  was  given,  which  is 
still  bearing  rich  fruit.  Others  who  emulated  their  pastor  in  his 
cheerful  contributions,  preceded  him  to  that  land,  where 
rewards  are  bestowed  for  the  least  given  in  Christ’s  name.  One 
of  these  was  a sister  whose  interest  was  so  thoroughly  aroused 
that  she  took  boarders  that  she  might  give  one  hundred  dollars 
to  the  Missionary  Union. 

I have  in  mind  two  instances  of  his  power  over  a congrega- 
tion when  presenting  objects  for  their  beneficence.  In  both 
cases  the  circumstances  were  quite  peculiar  to  himself.  He 
was  Secretary  for  the  Home  Missionary  Society, and  lit  upon  the 
home  of  a pastor  one  Saturday  evening  unexpectedly.  The 
pastor  was  at  a business  meeting  and  returned  late.  He  made 
no  effort  to  conceal  his  chagrin,  at  sight  of  the  Secretary,  and 
explained  that  he  was  trying  to  build  a church;  it  was  up-hill 
work;  his  brethren  were  discouraged,  and  were  just  proposing 
to  give  up  the  undertaking.  ‘‘  Perhaps  I can  help  you,”  said  his 
visitor.  Although  he  could  not  recover  from  his  discomforture, 
he  consented  that  Mr.  S.  should  preach.  Missions  were  not 
referred  to,  but  the  work  they  had  in  mind.  During  the  sermon 
a change  came  over  the  congregation,  and  as  soon  as  ended,  the 


20 


pastor  grasped  his  hand,  exclaiming,  “You  have  saved  the 
church,”  and  then,  before  his  people,  made  a most  humble  con- 
fession of  his  treatment  of  his  guest.  The  next  morning  they 
started  out  with  fresh  courage;  the  money  was  raised  and  the 
church  was  speedily  built. 

At  another  church,  at  the  last  minute,  a Sunday-school  col- 
lection was  substituted  for  the  promised  Home  Mission  collec- 
tion. Two  hundred  dollars  were  needed,  but  not  expected. 
Though  greatly  disappointed,  he  preached  an  effective  sermon, 
and  made  a plea  for  their  Sunday-schools,  to  which  the  audience 
responded  with  a gift  of  five  hundred  dollars. 

He,  himself,  always  had  habits  of  giving  ungrudgingly. 
The  cause  of  Christ,  in  the  early  days  of  California  called  for 
much  sacrifice,  especially  from  the  ministry.  The  maintenance 
of  a denominational  paper  was  a great  tax  upon  them,  in  which 
he  cheerfully  bore  his  share.  To  this  and  other  objects,  by 
God’s  blessing,  he  was  enabled  to  contribute  more  than  two 
thousand  dollars  before  he  left  the  state. 

He  planned  his  expenses,  so  as  to  give  as  well  as  to  live. 
One  rule  which  he  would  on  no  account  infringe  upon,  was,  to 
never  run  in  debt.  Another  was,  to  lay  by  something,  however 
little,  every  year.  In  speculations  or  lucrative  schemes  he 
would  never  engage.  His  one  work  was  the  ministry.  That 
God  blessed  His  servant  who  trusted  Him  so  completely,  and 
honored  Him  with  his  substance,  may  be  seen  in  the  pleasant 
home  and  comforts  of  his  later  years,  when  his  hands  were 
folded  from  toil,  and  which  he  has  left  to  his  invalid  wife. 

The  blessing  of  the  peace  maker  was  his.  Dissensions 
among  brethren  were  suppressed  with  a firm  hand,  and  he 
would  obtain  the  promise  “you  will  never  speak  of  this  again.” 

God  gave  him  a voice  and  talent  for  singing,  which  was  of 
unspeakable  help  to  him  in  the  conference  room,  also  the  cheer 
of  many  a child  of  God  in  the  sick  room.  Singing  was  a part 
of  the  daily  family  worship ; and  as  he  was  the  priest  of  the 
family  altar  until  the  last  three  weeks  of  his  life,  he  never  failed 
to  start  the  tune  which  was  caught  up  by  the  others  and  sung. 
How  hallowed  were  those  seasons  to  the  family  circle.  For  a 
long  time  he  was  unable  to  kneel.  When  he  could  read  no 


21 


longer,  each  one  recited  a verse  of  Scripture,  and  then,  after  the 
song,  he  bore  all  u[)on  his  heart  into  the  very  presence  of  God, 
and  in  brief  and  comprehensive  petitions  craved  blessings  for  the 
cause  of  Christ  universally,  and  for  his  own  church  in  particular. 
The  last  time  that  he  officiated  in  his  family  will  ever  be  remem- 
bered by  them.  It  was  the  morning  on  which  his  son  Edward 
was  to  say  farewell,  after  being  called  home  to  see  him  die. 
He  was  propped  up  in  bed.  The  Psalm  was  the  twenty- 
third;  the  song,  “The  Sweet  By  and  By.”  We  had  not  thought 
him  able  to  perform  the  service,  but  before  another  could  com- 
mence his  voice  was  heard  dwelling  upon  the  “ sweet  by  and 
by”  of  our  hopes,  and  earnestly  praying  for  the  consecration 
and  future  usefulness  of  his  children,  and  then  most  tenderly 
for  the  mother,  whom  he  left  to  their  loving  care,  until  death 
should  release  her. 

For  the  work  of  the  ministry  he  had  an  ardent  love.  Often 
did  he  speak  of  this  in  his  sickness,  adding,  “ If  I were  to  live 
my  life  over  again,  I would  choose  the  same  calling;”  or,  “If  I 
had  a thousand  lives  to  live,  they  should  all  be  given  to  the 
ministry.” 

In  the  sacred  desk,  Jesus  was  his  favorite  theme.  Knowing 
that  Christ^had  died  for  the  whole  world,  as  a faithful  ambassa- 
dor, he  besought  men  to  be  reconciled  to  God  through  Christ. 
His  dependence  was  upon  the  Holy  Spirit  to  lead  his  mind  as 
to  choice  of  subjects  and  pour  light  upon  the  themes  chosen. 
If  he  presented  the  truths  of  the  Gospel  with  an  unusual  depth 
of  meaning,  it  was  this  inner  light  which  enabled  him  to  do  so. 
He  acknowledged  especial  assistance  in  the  preparation  of  some 
particular  sermons.  Allusion  has  been  made  to  one  of  his  ser- 
mons on  morality,  text,  “ A son  honoreth  his  father,  and  a ser- 
vant his  master;  if  I then  be  a Father,  where  is  my  honor,  and  if 
I be  a Master,  where  is  my  fear.”  The  circumstances  which 
originated  that  sermon  were  these : There  were  some  in  his 

congregation  in  whom  he  felt  a deep  interest,  and  who  apparently 
were  depending  upon  good  works  alone  for  their  hopes  of 
heaven.  For  weeks  he  prayed  to  the  Lord  to  give  him  a sub- 
ject adapted  to  their  case.  At  length  this  theme  was  given,  and 
the  strong  light  in  which  it  was  presented.  Whether  it  was  the 


22 


means  of  influencing  those  friends  or  not,  it  was  permitted  him 
to  know  of  more  persons  being  converted  through  the  instru- 
mentality of  that  sermon  than  of  any  other  one  which  he 
preached. 

The  aim  of  the  discourse  was  to  show  that  man’s  fitness  for 
heaven  depends  upon  his  attitude  toward  God,  and  that  all  the 
beautiful  virtues  which  men  exhibit  toward  each  other,  instead 
of  recommending  them  to  God,  only  enhance  their  guilt,  if  they 
are  not  practiced  toward  Him.  In  the  practice  of  those  virtues 
toward  each  other,  they  showed  that  they  understood  their  obli- 
gations. They  were  left  without  excuse  then  in  failing  to  fullfil 
them  toward  God. 

He  pictured  a daughter  attending  upon  a sick  parent,  bath- 
ing the  head,  cooling  the  parched  lips,  and  tenderly  administer- 
ing to  every  want,  and  then  applied  it  thus:  God  looking 

down  upon  the  scene  exclaims,  “ I see  that  you  understand 
your  obligations  to  your  parent,  and  that  you  appreciate  and 
exhibit  the  beautiful  grace  of  filial  piety;  but  I am  a Father  and 
where  is  my  honor?  I am  the  only  Father  in  the  universe  to 
whom  due  reverence  is  not  acknowledged.” 

Or  he  pictured  neighbors  showing  kindnesses  to  each  other, 
always  with  the  responsive,  “ I thank  you,  you  are  very  kind  ” 
But  God,  from  whose  hand  comes  all  our  blessings,  is  unthanked, 
and  again  complains,  “ I see  that  you  possess  this  beautiful  grace 
of  gratitude  for  kindness  shown;  you  know  your  obligations  for 
favors  received,  and  are  full  of  thanks  to  each  other,  yet  you 
thank  me  not  for  what  I have  done  for  you.  Your  tables  are 
laden  with  gifts  from  my  hand,  yet  you  think  not  of  me,  the 
Giver.  You  possess  the  lovely  graces  of  gratitude,  and  of  filial 
love,  and  all  amiable  traits  of  character,  and  exhibit  them 
toward  each  other,  but  toward  me,  the  author  of  all  these  beau- 
tiful virtues,  you  exhibit  none  of  them.  Where  is  my  honor,  and 
my  fear,  and  my  love,  and  my  thanks?” 

This  point  was  also  brought  out  clearly, — that  those  who  were 
living  without  any  reference  to  God,  were  not  seeking  and 
could  not  expect  any  reward  from  Him.  It  was  not  unjust  or 
cruel  in  God  not  to  reward  them,  for  they  had  done  nothing  for 


23 


Him,  All  their  acts  were  toward  their  fellowmen,  and  they 
had  their  reward  from  them. 

Mr.  Stone  never  wrote  his  sermons  fully,  but  used  suggestive 
jottings,  which,  to  himself,  called  up  the  train  of  thought,  and 
yet  allowed  much  liberty.  They  were  frequently  of  an  evange- 
listic type,  yet  he  sought  to  feed  the  flock  of  God,  both  with 
the  milk  of  the  word,  and  strong  meat,  to  each  a portion. 
For  presenting  the  truth  clearly,  he  had  a natural  gift,  and 
always  sought  to  clinch  it  upon  the  hearts  of  his  hearers.  His 
exhortations  to  Christians  to  be  up  and  at  work  for  the  salvation 
of  souls  about  them  were  persistent,  and  he  sought  constantly  to 
lead  them  to  a higher  plane  of  spirituality  and  usefulness.  If  he 
failed,  the  failure  should  not  lie  at  his  door. 

I would  like  to  give  one  picture  of  him  as  a pastor.  It  is  in 
the  prayer-meeting  room.  The  Spirit  of  God  has  been  there 
with  great  blessings,  and  still  abides.  Some  of  the  treasures  of 
God's  Word  have  been  unfolded.  A season  of  prayer  and  song 
has  been  spent,  and  now  an  opportunity  is  given  for  testimony. 
A number  rise  to  their  feet  at  once,  and  all  stand  waiting  for 
him  to  designate  who  shall  speak.  One  name  after  another  is 
called,  who  speak  briefly  and  take  their  seats.  Before  the  last 
one  is  seated  another  company  arises,  all  waiting  on  their  feet 
as  before,  for  the  call  of  the  name.  The  announcement,  “none 
need  rise  after  these,”  brings  the  meeting  to  a close.  In  this 
way,  from  fifty  to  seventy  have  sometimes  taken  part  in  the 
meeting,  reminding  one  of  Christ’s  description  of  the  good  Shep- 
herd, “ He  calleth  His  own  sheep  by  name,  and  leadeth  them 
forth.” 

In  revival  work  he  delighted,  and  was  often  engaged  in  it. 
His  joy  over  souls  he  had  won  to  Jesus  was  like  that  of  a father, 
and  the  weariness  and  wrestlings  were  all  forgotten.  Scarcely 
less  was  his  joy  over  the  church,  under  the  refreshing  showers  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  when  he  felt  their  sustaining  prayers,  and  they 
wrestled  and  rejoiced  together.  His  sermons  to  the  unconverted 
were  not  only  designed  to  awaken  and  convict,  but  to  lead  to 
Christ  as  the  only  Savior,  through  a renunciation  of  everything  else. 

In  personal  work  with  sinners,  he  was  especially  successful, 
pressing  upon  them  an  immediate  surrender  and  trust  in  Christ. 


24 


The  critical  moment  was  seen,  and  he  would  hold  the  hand  at 
parting,  or  tarry  by  their  side  till  the  decision  was  made.  The 
power  of  God  was  with  him  at  such  times.  Those  who  were 
doubtful  if  they  might  trust  in  Jesus,  or  feared  to  venture,  were 
persuaded  by  his  words,  and  many  have  blessed  him  that  he 
would  not  give  them  up,  when  they  Wvnild  have  postponed  their 
decision  till  another  time. 

So  also  was  his  counsel  to  encpiirers  honored  of  God.  To 
one  who  had  long  been  seeking,  but  still  deeply  distressed,  he 
said,  “Go  home,  and  don’t  think  of  yourself  again,  but  think  of 
Jesus.”  The  man  hesitated,  said  he  would  lose  all  of  his  feeling 
if  he  did.  “Let  your  feeling  go,  but  look  to  Jesus,”  was  the 
reply,  and  he  was  rejoicing  in  Christ  before  morning.  At  an- 
other time  his  evening  subject  was  seeking  the  Lord  with 
sincerity.  He  said  : “ If  any  of  you  will  go  and  honestly  tell 
Jesus  that  you  are  a lost  sinner,  and  ask  Him  to  save  you,  if  He 
does  not  save,  I will  agree  to  stand  for  you  in  the  day  of  judg- 
ment.” One  man  went  home  saying:  “I  will  test  that  man’s 
word,  and  will  honestly  go  to  Jesus,  tell  Him  my  condition, 
and  ask  Him  to  save  me.”  He  was  speedily  rejoicing,  and 
went  in  the  dead  of  night  to  his  brother  to  tell  of  his  new  found 
joy.  That  man,  his  wife,  his  brother  and  his  wife  were  all  soon 
rejoicing  together  in  Jesus.  The  brother  entered  the  ministry, 
and  up  to  this  time  has  been  an  earnest  and  successful  preacher 
of  the  Word,  and  a Home  Missionary  in  Kansas.  Of  the  number 
of  conversions  and  baptisms,  under  his  ministry,  he  kept  no 
record.  “ My  record  is  on  high,”  he  would  say. 

His  power  with  God  in  prayer  was  noticeable.  Not  to  him- 
self, but  to  the  inspiring  Spirit  was  the  honor  given.  Oft  times, 
it  seemed,  he  had  but  to  take  a sinner  on  his  heart  in  prayer, 
and  he  would  speedily  be  converted.  Also,  at  the  bed-side  of 
the  sick,  marked  answers  to  prayer  were  sometimes  given.  On 
one  occasion,  while  pastor  in  Lafayette,  Ind.,  he  found  a sister, 
apparently  passing  away.  No  one  expected  her  to  survive  till 
morning.  He  kneeled  by  her  side,  and  without  premeditation, 
and  unexpectedly  to  himself,  offered  an  earnest  prayer  for  her 
immediate  recovery.  He  could  pray  for  nothing  less.  Friends 
stood  amazed,  but  the  answer  was  given.  From  that  hour  she 


25 


began  to  amend  and  lived  for  several  years,  for  her  family  and 
the  church.  Several  such  instances  occurred  in  his  ministry, 
when  the  pleading  and  the  faith  were  given  from  above,  and 
brought  the  return  of  health  and  strength  to  the  suffering.  Of 
these  instances,  he  himself  said,  “ When  God  gave  me  faith  to 
pray  for  the  recovery  of  the  sick.  He  always  answered  the 
prayer.  The  promise  of  Scripture,  as  recorded  by  James,  ‘The 
prayer  of  faith  shall  save  the  sick,  and  the  Lord  shall  raise  him 
up,’  was  fulfilled  in  every  case,  where  I had  that  God-given 
faith.  I was  as  anxious  and  earnest  in  my  prayers  for  others, 
but  had  to  say,  ‘ Thy  will  be  done.’  ” He  believed  that  the  gift 
of  healing  has  been  in  tlie  church  always,  and  will  remain  to  the 
end  of  time,  though  not  bestowed  so  abundantly  and  frequently 
as  upon  the  Apostles.  He  said,  “ We  should  discriminate 
between  the  gift  of  faith,  and  the  grace  of  faith.  The  gift  of 
faith  is  not  the  measurement  of  our  piety,  but  the  grace  of  faith.’’ 
As  to  his  own  recovery,  he  knew  that  the  power  of  God  was 
unlimited,  and  that  he  might  ask,  with  submission  to  His  will, 
but  no  such  faith  to  receive  was  given.  The  burden  of  his 
prayer  was  not  for  the  return  of  health,  but  that  he  might  be 
filled  with  the  Spirit  of  God. 

His  visits  among  the  sick  were  a much  loved  part  of  his 
work.  They  were  welcome,  cheery,  and  looked  for  daily,  and 
did  not  cease  when  he  was  no  longer  pastor.  Even  when  a 
stranger  in  Kansas,  and  as  long  as  he  could  go  out  at  all,  he 
went  to  the  abodes  of  suffering,  and  his  very  last  call  was  upon 
a sick  sister. 

The  consolations  which  he  imparted  to  others,  were  precious 
to  himself  in  his  long  sickness,  “ It  is  all  right;”  “ God  makes  no 
mistakes;”  “ I have  never  had  a murmuring  thought,”  were 
expressions  showing  his  perfect  submission  to  what  God  had 
chosen  for  him.  For  years,  the  strong  man,  broken  down  in  his 
strength,  was  passing  homeward,  with  tremulous  nerves,  and  a 
paralysis,  which  stopped  not  for  a day  in  its  onward  course, 
with  its  fetters  of  pain  and  helplessness;  yet  when  the  weariness 
and  the  tribulations  were  ended,  and  we  looked  back  upon  it  all, 
it  seemed  lighted  with  a glory  all  its  own.  When  in  health,  there 
was  the  shining  of  a consecrated  life,  and  faithful  stewardship; 


26 


in  sickness  there  was  a halo  about  him  of  the  “ perfect  through 
suffering.’’  Tender  as  a child,  patient,  subdued,  brave  as  a 
Grant  or  a Frederick,  leaning  upon  his  Beloved,  thus  it  was  that 
his  life  passed  on  before  us,  step  by  step,  to  the  valley  where  the 
angels  met  him,  and  bore  him  hence.  'Fhose  nearest  to  him  saw 
most  of  the  glory.  They  cannot  forget  the  suffering,  neither 
can  they  forget  his  bearing  as  a conqueror,  nor  the  strength  of 
his  inner  man,  his  firm  faith,  his  courage,  his  unfailing  judgment,, 
and  the  wisdom  of  his  counsels,  which  made  him  like  an  oak,, 
leaned  upon,  even  to  the  last. 

It  was  one  of  the  trials  of  his  disease  that  he  could  not  med- 
itate; but  there  was  rest  in  Jesus,  and  in  His  word.  The 
Bible  was  perused  with  great  satisfaction,  and  when  he  could  no 
longer  read  himself,  it  was  a part  of  the  daily  employment  of 
his  wife,  to  read  aloud  several  chapters.  The  words  of  Jesus 
at  the  last  supper  were  a favorite  passage  with  him.  Sometimes 
he  would  ask  for  one  of  the  short  Epistles,  but  usually  the  New 
Testament  or  the  Psalms,  were  read  in  course,  and  over  and 
over  again,  while  the  comment,  “ What  a rich  portion  of  Script- 
ure that  is,”  would  show  how  much  he  enjoyed  it. 

His  Christian  hope  was  unclouded.  He  knew  in  whom  he 
believed,  “All  is  bright  on  the  other  side,”  he  said,  as  he  was 
nearing  the  river.  Long  he  waited  and  watched  for  the  coming 
of  the  Savior.  To  no  one  could  the  summons  be  more  welcome. 
“I  reckon  on  going  home,”  he  said  with  emphasis  to  a friend. 
“I  anticipate  being  with  my  Master.”  “We  shall  all  be 
together  soon,  where  there  will  be  no  meetings  nor  partings. 
To  the  church  his  only  message  was,  “ Be  faithful.”  At  the  last, 
he  could  not  talk,  but  no  dying  testimony  was  needed.  We 
knew  that  the  strong  arms  of  the  Redeemer  were  underneath 
him,  and  that  when  he  left  this  worn-out  body,  he  was  borne 
upward  to  the  realms  of  light,  where  pain,  and  sin  and  sorrow 
shall  never  enter,  where  joyous  meetings  were  awaiting  him,  and 
where  his  voice  should  again  be  tuned  to  the  hallelujahs  of 
heaven.  “Blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord;  yea,  saith 
the  Spirit,  for  they  rest  from  their  labors,  and  their  works  do- 
follow  them.” 


27 


It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  publish  the  following  additional 
reminiscences  from  the  pen  of  a friend  relating  to  his  life  in 
Marengo. 

My  Dear  Mrs.  Stone. 

I have  been  living  over  the  old  days  with  you  and  Dr. 
Stone.  How  well  I remember  the  first  time  I saw  you  when 
the  Rock  River  Association  met  in  Marengo,  in  June,  1871. 
You  two,  with  Mrs.  M.,  came  on  the  8 o’clock,  a.  m.,  train,  and 
were  designated  to  our  house.  It  so  happened  that  I opened 
the  door,  and  as  Mr.  Stone  introduced  himself  and  party,  I at 
once  felt  I was  in  the  presence  of  a strong  man.  And  how 
beautifully  you  all  made  yourselves  at  home  that  morning.  As 
mother  and  I were  busy  in  household  duties  we  asked  to  be 
excused,  and  Mr.  Stone  said,  “ O,  we  will  entertain  ourselves; 
we’ll  have  a sing,”  and  opening  the  piano  he  requested  Mrs.  M. 
to  play  while  you  all  sang.  I remember  how  full  and  rich  your 
voices  sounded  as  I went  about  my  work. 

This  was  the  very  beginning,  dear  friend,  of  an  acquaintance 
that  has  been  so  full  of  blessing  to  our  household.  It  was  at 
this  association  that  the  Woman’s  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of 
the  West  was  first  brought  before  the  body,  and  you  and  Mr. 
•Stone  encouraged  us  to  organize  a circle  at  Marengo  as  you  had 
at  Rockford  a week  or  so  earlier,  and  so  we  did  the  following 
Sunday.  Then,  this  was  the  time  that  Dr.  Kerr  was  wielding  so 
great  an  influence  in  Rockford,  having  the  year  before  gone  out 
from  our  denomination  into  liberalism  and  taking  from  the  First 
church  many  members  of  wealth  and  influence,  and  at  this  very 
time  was  attracting  to  himself  large  audiences.  There  were 
among  us  pessimistic  souls  who  were  fearful  that  the  cause  of 
Christ  had  received  almost  a death  blow  in  Rockford,  and  that 
the  foundations  of  the  church  were  sadly  shaken. 

To  meet  this  disheartening  influence,  Mr.  Stone  was  asked 
to  preach  the  last  afternoon  of  the  association,  and  did  so  to  a 
•crowded  house.  And  what  a strong,  hopeful  sermon  he  gave 
from  the  text,  “ One  Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism,  one  God  and 
Father  of  all,  who  is  above  all,  and  through  all,  and  in  you  all;” 
and  how  the  audience  were  lifted  out  of  themselves  and  bright- 
ened and  cheered  as  the  preacher  showed  Christ  in  his  fullness, 


28 


strength  and  power.  The  sermon  was  quoted  for  weeks  and 
must  have  been  helpful  to  many. 

I think  Mr.  Stone’s  ministry  in  Marengo,  in  one  sense,  began 
with  this  meeting  of  the  association,  though  it  was  not  till  No- 
vember, 1872,  that  he  became  the  pastor  of  this  dear  church. 

And  what  shall  I say  of  his  four  years’  pastorate  in  Marengo? 
Years  of  growth  and  advancement  in  the  church;  years  of 
revival  and  reaping;  years  also  of  seed-sowing  and  building  up 
of  Christian  character;  four  years  of  successful  work,  bearing 
fruit  even  unto  this  day. 

In  reviewing  Mr.  Stone’s  labors  among  us,  I am  impressed 
anew  with  his  exaltation  of  Jesus  Christ  as  a Saviour  from  sin 
and  the  power  of  sin.  flow  faithfully  and  earnestly  he  pressed 
home  this  truth  from  the  desk  and  in  personal  work.  Often 
have  I heard  him  say  that  he  had  little  faith  in  any  efforts  at 
reform  that  did  not  put  the  need  of  Christ  the  Saviour  at  the 
foundation.  Bring  men  to  Jesus  and  they  are  bound  to  become 
and  remain  temperance  men,  he  would  say.  A revival  of 
religion  always  toned  up  the  public  sentiment  on  any  question 
of  reform,  was  his  experience. 

He  gloried  in  presenting  Jesus  Christ,  the  crucified,  to  needy 
men  and  women,  and  great  was  his  success  in  enlisting  them 
under  Emmanuel’s  banner.  It  seems  to  me  he  excelled  more 
than  most  in  bringing  truth  home  to  all  ages.  Do  you  remember 
the  revival  of  1873  was,  with  few  exceptions,  among  the  children 
and  young  people  of  our  Sunday  school,  while  the  last  revival, 
before  you  left  us,  was  notable  in  reaching  men  and  women  in 
the  prime  of  life.  Wasn’t  it  thirty-three  heads  of  families  who 
were  converted,  besides  as  many  more  who  had  reached  man- 
hood and  womanhood?  If  I remember  correctly  but  one  child 
was  baptized  of  the  nearly  seventy  who  put  on  Christ.  And 
how  well  adapted  Mr.  Stone  was  to  bring  men  to  a decision. 
Do  you  recollect  how  Capt.  S.  said  he  wished  to  be  a Christian 
but  had  no  feelings  and  Mr.  Stone  told  him  his  days  of  feelmg 
were  probably  past,  but  now  he  must  act  on  his  conviction? 
And  how  he  patiently  led  him  from  point  to  point  till  the  sur- 
render of  will  was  complete?  And  the  night  Dr.  S.  was  con- 
verted. What  a long  struggle  it  was,  and  how  easily  the  wrong 


29 


word  might  have  been  said,  but  Mr.  Stone’s  help  was  wise,  and 
how  like  a little  child  Dr.  S.  finally  gave  himself  up  and  began 
the  beautiful  life  which  grew  brighter  and  brighter  as  the  years 
went  by.  O,  the  hand-picked  fruit  was  very  precious  in  those 
days. 

Mr.  Stone  seemed  to  delight  in  hard  work,  and  with  his  fine 
health  and  consecrated  heart,  how  much  he  was  able  to  accom- 
plish. I recall  the  neighborhood  prayer  meetings,  the  series  of 
services  held  in  school-houses  about  Marengo,  and  with  what 
joy  he  brought  to  the  home  church  the  sheaves  of  his  gathering. 
And  then  the  catholicity  of  his  spirit!  What  noble  work  he  did 
in  Union  one  winter,  and  how  the  Congregationalist  church  was 
strengthened;  and  added  to  its  membership  many  who  had  been 
converted  through  his  efforts. 

Again,  Mr.  Stone’s  intelligent  interest  in  all  the  work  of 
the  denomination  lifted  the  church  to  a plane  of  giving 
never  before  attained,  as  he  so  well  knew  how  to  present 
each  cause  and  always  led  in  the  offerings.  With  the  great 
body  of  churches  the  stream  will  not  rise  higher  than  the 
fountain,  but  if  the  spiritual  leader  is  a man  like  Mr.  Stone, 
counting  it  a joy  and  privilege  to  give  unto  the  Lord,  and 
so  earnestly  presenting  local  and  denominational  work,  there 
will  be  many  hearts  in  the  pews  glad  to  follow  his  leader- 
ship and  thankful  to  acknowledge  their  stewardship  of  “ the 
manifold  grace  of  God.’’  Mr.  Stone  left  his  impress  in  this 
respect  upon  his  own  generation  in  the  Marengo  church;  upon 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  G.  B.  Adams,  Dr.  Woodworth,  my  father  and 
mother,  and  others.  I have  heard  my  father  say  repeatedly 
that  Mr.  Stone  was  an  example  to  him  of  the  “ joy  of  giving,  ” 
and  that  he  sometimes  felt  that  Mr.  Stone  had  taught  him  how 
to  give. 

There  were  those  having  a slight  acquaintance  with  your 
husband  who  thought  him  wanting  in  tenderness,  but  no  one 
who  ever  saw  him  with  little  children,  or  in  a sick  room,  or  with 
the  afflicted,  entertained  such  an  idea.  How  he  won  little 
children.  Do  you  remember  how  our  Louise  loved  him  and 
liked  to  be  carried  about  in  his  strong  arms?  When  she  first 
began  to  put  sentences  together,  I asked  her  one  day  who  her 


30 


minister  was,  and  she  said,  “Mr.  Stone,”  and  after  a moment’s 
hesitation  added,  “ and  Mrs.  Stone,”  which  we  thought  very  true. 

I think  I must  bring  to  your  memory  her  first  Sunday  of  going 
to  church.  It  so  happened  she  went  with  me,  and  in  coming 
home  she  said,  “ Aunt  Lollie,  I don’t  love  Mr.  Stone!  ” “ Not 

love  Mr.  Stone,  darling,”  I replied,  “Why,  what  is  the  matter?” 
“He  didn’t,”  and  the  lip  quivered,  “He  didn’t  come  down 
and  kiss  me.”  O,  how  heartily  Mr.  Stone  laughed  when  I told 
him  the  next  day,  and  when  Sunday  came  around  again,  as 
soon  as  the  benediction  was  pronounced,  he  came  directly  to 
her,  reaching  out  his  arms,  and  I can  see  him  now  as  he  carried 
her  down  the  aisle,  her  curly  head  against  his  left  shoulder,  as 
he  spake  and  shook  hands  with  his  people. 

His  beautiful  thoughtfulness  for  the  sick,  and  hearty,  cheery 
ways  were  appreciated  by  many  an  invalid.  How  Mrs.  Deacon 
Lewis  was  brightened  by  a call  from  you  and  enjoyed  the  sing- 
ing which  always  was  a part  of  it  as  well  as  the  pastor’s 
prayer.  How  many  sick  rooms  welcomed  you  both. 

My  dear  friend,  four  years  of  beautiful,  faithful,  consecrated 
living  and  doing  were  lived  among  us.  Christ  was  honored, 
souls  saved,  hearts  strengthened,  character  built  up,  and  the 
kingdom  of  God  advanced.  If  I should  be  asked  to  give  in  one 
sentence  my  impression  of  Mr.  Stone’s  ministry  here,  I should 
reply  in  Jean  Ingelow’s  words,  concerning  the  i^reacher  in  “ The 
Brothers,”  “ So  anxious  not  to  go  to  Heaven  atoned 

I hope  I have  not  wearied  you  with  my  long  letter,  but  it 
was  in  my  heart  to  live  over  with  you  some  of  the  days  of  the 
past.  Always  your  loving  friend  and  sister, 

Marengo,  III.  nellie  Patrick. 


31 


^Ixjc  ^umral  ^jermou. 


BY  JNO.  L.  JACKSON,  D.  1). 


The  funeral-service  was  conducted  at  the  residence  of 
the  family  of  the  deceased.  Friends  gathered  to  perform 
the  last  offices  of  love.  There  were  floral  offerings  and 
the  ripened  sheaf.  A puartett  sang  softly  some  tender 
hymns.  Dr.  W.  H.  H.  Adams,  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  read  a 
selection  from  the  scriptures.  The  Rev.  S.  G.  Miner  offered 
the  sympathetic  prayer,  which  was  home  into  the  presence 
of  God.  The  Pastor,  Rev.  J.  L.  Jackson,  delivered  the  dis- 
course which  follows.  The  last  look  was  taken  of  the  face 
so  calm  and  peaceful,  and  then  the  remains  were  home 
to  their  final  resting  place,  in  the  beautiful  cemetery  of 
Bloomington,  to  await  the  joyful  resurrection  when  Christ 
shall  come  again. 


Text:  II  Timothy,  iv:y-8:  “/  have  fought  a good  fights  1 have 
finished  my  course^  I have  kept  the  faiths  henceforth  there  is 
laid  up  for  me  a croivn  of  righteousness^  which  the  Lord^  the 
righteous  Judge,  shall  give  me  in  that  day  : and  not  to  me 
only,  hut  to  all  them  that  love  his  appearing,^^ 


^tP^HESE  are  the  triumphant  words  of  Paul  as  he  contemplated 
his  approaching  death.  It  is  not  the  language  of  vaunting 
^ egotism.  It  is  simply  the  honest  sentiment  of  a man  who 
knows  what  he  has  done,  and  knows  also  what  he  has  won 
through  the  grace  given  him  from  above. 

When  he  penned  these  words  he  was  in  Rome,  a prisoner  of 
Jesus  Christ,  awaiting  the  time  of  his  offering  up.  The  busy  life 
was  nearing  its  close.  In  the  Providence  of  God  he  had  come 
to  that  pause  in  his  active  career  which  so  fittingly  precedes  the 
ending  of  the  earthly  pilgrimage.  He  had  time  now,  in  his 
Roman  prison,  to  carefully  review  the  years  crowded  so  full  of 
toil  and  sacrifice,  he  had  also  time  to  contemplate  the  glorious 
reward  which  was  so  near  at  hand. 

The  text  is  naturally  divided  into  two  portions:  the  back- 
ward and  the  forward  look. 

First  he  cast  his  glance  back  over  the  long  and  rugged  path 
along  which  he  had  travelled.  On  that  path  he  had  fought  his 
battles  and  won  his  triumphs.  With  the  blessings  and  the  favor 
of  his  I.ord,  he  had  been  enabled  to  accomplish  a noble  work. 
Hence,  he  could  exclaim  without  fear  of  contradiction  from 
either  friend  or  foe : “ I have  fought  a good  fight,  I have  finished 
my  course,  I have  kept  the  faith.” 

What  an  hour  of  honest  exultation  must  it  be  to  the  faithful 
servant  of  God  to  be  able  to  cast  his  glance  back  upon  a career 
of  usefulness.  To  the  great  mass  of  the  human  kind  memory 
brings  no  joyful  retrospect.  They  are  glad  to  cut  out  the 
vision  of  the  past  when  it  rises  unbidden  before  them.  The 


35 


story  of  wasted  opportunities,  of  squandered  strength,  of  selfish 
greed  is  repeated  so  often  in  human  life  that  there  are  few  who 
can  find  real  pleasure  in  the  memory  of  days  gone  by.  Even 
when  one  has  not  been  guilty  of  the  baser  crimes,  how  often  is 
life  seen  at  last  to  have  been  wasted,  because  the  aims  have 
been  low,  and  the  earthly  rewards  unsatisfying.  Many  lives  are 
busy  enough,  but  they  are  so  occupied  with  gold  getting  and 
honor  getting,  that  at  last  they  are  found  to  have  gathered  no 
abiding  good.  Life  need  not  thus  be  wasted.  Death  need  not 
bring  us  bitter  memories.  Mortal  as  we  are  and  liable  to  err,  it 
is  still  possible  to  put  into  life  such  deeds  of  kindness,  such 
words  of  truth,  such  holy  purposes  that  at  the  last  we  can  even 
dare  to  use  the  triumphant  language  of  Paul:  “ I have  fotight  a 
good  fight,  I have  finished  my  course,  I have  kept  the  faith.” 

It  is  marvellous  to  contemplate  what  a human  life  may 
become  when  God  takes  hold  of  it.  When  filled  with  His  Spirit 
and  impelled  with  love  for  Him,  even  weak  and  erring  men  have 
been  able  to  do  a work  which  calls  forth  the  songs  of  angels. 

Paul  says:  “ I have  finished  my  course.”  The  word  finish 

has  two  meanings;  first,  as  “ended;”  second,  as  “completed.” 

Ended,  all  lives  must  be.  There  is  no  escape  from  that. 
The  drunkard  and  the  libertine,  as  well  as  the  patriot  and  the 
saint,  must  end  the  earthly  career.  But  a finished  and  com- 
pleted life  is  a rare  thing  on  earth.  In  all  the  world,  there  is 
nothing  so  beautiful  as  that.  There  is  beauty  in  the  flower,  and 
grandeur  in  the  sun  and  stars,  but  in  the  universe  of  created 
things  there  is  nothing  so  glorious,  so  worthy  of  admiration,  as  a 
finished  life. 

The  great  Apostle  had  another  vision,  which  gave  him  even 
greater  delight  than  the  memory  of  his  earthly  triumphs.  He 
was  able  to  look  forward,  as  well  as  backward.  That  onward 
glance  filled  his  soul  with  joy  unspeakable.  Out  of  the  deeps 
of  a full  heart  he  exclaimed:  “ Henceforth  there  is  laid  up 

for  me  a crown  of  righteousness,  which  the  Lord,  the  righteous 
Judge,  shall  give  me  in  that  day.” 

Death  had  no  terrors  for  him.  It  was  but  the  opening  of  a 
door  that  admitted  him  to  the  society  of  angels  and  the  rewards 
of  heaven.  A Christian  father  was  on  his  deathbed.  Calling 


his  daughter  to  him,  he  said : “ My  child,  I desire  to  say  a few 

words  to  you,  for  it  may  be  that  I shall  not  be  with  you  long.” 
The  young  lady  drew  back  with  a shudder,  “Oh!  Father,”  she 
exclaimed,  “ Is  there  any  danger?”  ‘‘No,”  replied  the  father 
calmly,  “ There  is  no  danger.  There  is  a probability  that  I 
shall  die,  but  there  is  no  danger.  There  can  be  no  danger  on  a ' 
Christian’s  sick  bed.”  Thanks  be  to  God,  Christ  takes  away  the 
sting  of  death.  He  transforms  the  monster  into  an  angel  of 
blessing.  However  happy  or  useful  they  are  on  earth,  to  God’s 
children,  death  must  always  be  a blessing. 

The  heavenly  reward  often  fails  to  exert  over  us  the  influ- 
ence that  it  ought,  because  our  faith  is  weak.  We  repeat  the 
glowing  promises,  without  comprehending  their  fulness  of  mean- 
ing. Paul  doubtless  understood  the  force  of  the  words  we  are 
studying,  in  a way  that  we  cannot.  He  had,  not  only  a faith, 
strengthened  through  many  years  of  prayer  and  communion  with 
God,  but  he  had  been  permitted,  even  during  his  earthly  life,  to 
catch  a glimpse  of  the  heavenly  life.  He  tells  us  that,  “ He  was 
caught  up  into  paradise  and  heard  unspeakable  words,  which  it 
is  not  lawful  for  a man  to  utter.”  The  memory  of  that  exper- 
ience could  never  have  faded  from  his  mind.  Doubtless  in  his 
darkest  hours  of  trial  he  would  bid  memory  call  up  that  beautiful 
vision,  and  he  would  find  in  it  comfort  and  courage.  Now  as 
he  thought  upon  the  approaching  end  of  his  earthly  life,  what 
joy  it  must  have  given  him  to  know  that  soon  he  would  be 
introduced  into  that  great  company  of  the  redeemed,  not  this 
time  to  tarry  with  them  for  a few  short  hours,  but  to  find  them 
his  companions  forever.  That  crown,  with  “peerless  glories 
bright,”  was  ever  before  his  enraptured  gaze.  He  longed  for 
the  moment  to  come  when  his  Lord  would  place  it  upon 
his  brow. 

Paul  was  not  selfish  in  his  longing  for  heaven.  Heaven 
would  hardly  have  been  heaven  to  him,  if  he  had  to  enjoy  it 
alone.  So  in  the  moment  when  his  exultant  spirit  reached  for- 
ward to  his  own  reward,  he  thought  also  of  the  multitude  of 
redeemed  souls  who  were  to  rejoice  with  him  in  the  eternal 
inheritance.  He  said:  “ My  Lord  will  bestow  this  crown,  not 

upon  me  only,  but  upon  all  them  that  love  his  appearing.  ” The 


37 


multitudes  whom  he  had  been  instrumental  in  bringing  to  right- 
eousness were  to  be  crowned  with  him  “ heirs  of  God  and  joint 
heirs  with  Christ.”  One  of  the  most  attractive  features  of  the 
heavenly  life  to  a faithful  minister  of  the  Gospel,  must  be  that 
he  shall  have  the  exceeding  joy  of  seeing  the  Lord  crown  those 
whom  he  has  been  permitted  to  lead  into  the  new  life. 

As  we  come  now  to  apply  the  text  to  the  life  and  character 
of  Dr.  Stone,  we  can  say  that  he  also  had  this  glorious  double 
vision  as  he  lay  upon  his  bed  of  suffering.  He  could  look  back 
upon  a life  spent  in  the  service  of  God.  He  could  look  forward 
to  the  mansions  which  his  Lord  had  gone  to  prepare  for  him. 
Between  his  active  life  and  the  heavenly  reward  there  lay  those 
eight  years  of  suffering,  in  which  he  had  ample  time  to  look  both 
backward  and  forward.  He  also  was  a prisoner  of  Jesus  Christ, 
not  held  in  bondage  by  a Roman  Emperor,  but  chained  to  his 
home  by  that  cruel  tyrant,  Disease.  As  he  lay  imprisoned  in  the 
valley  of  suffering  the  light  gleamed  along  the  hill  tops.  Which 
ever  way  he  looked  he  saw  visions  of  beauty.  If  he  looked 
backward  along  the  path  he  had  journeyed  in  his  earthly  pilgrim- 
age, memory  painted  pictures  of  a faithful  minister  working 
heroically  for  his  Master,  in  many  towns  and  cities  stretching 
all  the  way  from  the  Empire  State  to  the  Golden  Gate.  If  he 
looked  forward.  Faith  pictured  to  his  enraptured  vision  a Beauti- 
ful Land  where  were  no  sickness  and  sorrow,  in  which  was  a 
crown  waiting  for  a victor’s  brow. 

His  is  not  only  an  ended  life,  but  it  is  a finished  one.  He 
did  not  live  to  a great  age,  but  he  had  the  privilege  for  thirty 
years  of  preaching  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ.  During  that  time 
he  was  constantly  reaping  the  fruit  of  his  toil.  About  a thousand 
persons  were  baptized  by  him  during  his  ministry,  besides  great 
numbers  whom  he  pointed  to  Christ  as  he  went  to  aid  other 
pastors  in  their  extra  meetings.  We  who  have  known  him  in  the 
later  years  of  his  life  are  apt  to  think  of  him  as  a minister  laid 
aside  from  active  work.  We  must  not  forget  that  the  greater 
portion  of  his  life  was  spent  in  earnest  toil  for  the  salvation  of 
men. 

He  was  a hard-working  minister  of  the  Gospel.  His  strong 
physical  constitution  enabled  him  to  endure  great  hardships  in 


38 


his  work.  His  bodily  strength,  together  with  his  spiritual 
insight,  made  him  a great  power  in  the  pulpit.  He  was  able  to 
move  men  as  few  ministers  could.  His  eyes  would  flash.  His 
hands  would  clench.  His  voice  would  pour  forth  his  message 
in  rounded  sentences.  His  whole  bodily  frame  would  be 
wrought  up  to  the  highest  tension  as  he  preached  the  Word. 

Whatever  else  they  might  think  of  his  preaching,  all  acknowl- 
edged him  to  be  a man  in  earnest.  His  speech  was  that  of  a 
dying  man  to  dying  men.  He  had  a message  to  deliver,  and  his 
heart  was  burdened  until  he  had  delivered  the  whole  truth. 

His  life  work,  however,  was  not  completed  until  after  his 
pulpit  ministrations  ceased.  No  longer  able  to  do  the  work  of 
Pastor,  Evangelist  or  Missionary,  he  was  still  able  to  be  of  great 
service  in  the  Master’s  kingdom.  His  patient  endurance  of  suf- 
fering, his  cheerful  acquiescence  to  the  plan  and  purpose  of 
God,  made  him  a noble  example,  not  only  to  his  fellow-sufferers, 
but  even  to  those  who  enjoyed  health  and  strength.  If  any 
were  tempted  to  complain,  they  held  their  words  in  check,  as 
they  thought  of  one  whose  burdens  were  so  much  heavier  than 
their  own. 

Thus,  during  the  last  eight  years,  he  has  held  a place  unique 
among  the  Baptist  ministers  of  the  State.  There  were  others 
who  had  been  laid  aside  from  active  work,  but  not  one  who  had 
become  such  an  example  of  patient  suffering,  nor  one  whose 
condition  was  so  widely  known.  In  this  way  he  has  been  able 
to  do  a work,  to  set  an  example,  which  will  be  long  remem- 
bered. 

His  sufferings  have  been  an  important  element,  not  only  in 
the  finishing  of  his  work,  but  in  the  completion  of  his  character. 
He,  himself,  has  grown  in  the  graces  of  the  Christian  life  during 
these  later  years.  His  physicial  pain  has  chiseled  his  soul  into 
beauty.  He  grew  so  gentle,  so  sympathetic,  so  full  of  kind 
feeling  for  all.  In  the  days  of  his  strength  he  was  so  robust  that 
it  was  difficult  for  him  to  comprehend  the  limitations  which  dis- 
ease imposes  upon  a weak  body.  His  own  increasing  infirmity 
gave  him  the  tenderest  regard  for  the  weakness  of  others. 

In  a multitude  of  ways  we  could  discern  how  his  sufferings 
ripened  his  experience  and  beautified  his  soul. 


39 


/ His  home  life  was  very  lovable.  Under  that  roof  where 
there  was  so  much  pain,  there  was  no  grumbling,  and  there  was 
much  domestic  happiness.  Parents  and  children  alike  bore  their 
part  in  the  deprivations  which  sickness  brings  into  a home,  with 
cheerfulness  and  courage.  It  was  a beautiful  sight  to  watch  the 
service  of  the  loving  children,  and  to  listen  to  the  cheerful  words 
of  the  stricken  parents.  In  this  way,  even  to  the  latest  days  of 
his  life,  memory  was  busy  painting  pictures  which  it  must  have 
been  a delight  to  contemplate. 

Our  departed  brother  had,  not  only  a past,  into  which  he 
could  look  with  great  satisfaction,  but  he  had  a future  into 
which  he  gazed  with  hope  and  gladness.  What  that  future  con- 
tained for  him,  he  knew  well.  As  the  disease  fastened  its  hold 
more  firmly  upon  his  frame,  and  the  weariness  increased,  he 
longed  for  the  hour  when  he  should  be  taken  home.  Once  when 
there  seemed  to  be  some  indications  of  approaching  dissolution, 
his  physician  made  a careful  examination  of  the  vital  organs  and 
reported  that  his  patient  might  live  yet  for  some  time,  “ Well,” 
said  Dr.  Stone,  “that  is  the  worst  news  you  could  give  me.” 
He  was  like  a tired  school-boy,  waiting  for  the  hour  to  come 
when  he  might  go  home. 

He  has  gone  home  at  last.  So  peacefully  did  he  pass  away 
that  the  watchers  scarcely  knew  whether  he  lived  or  died.  “He 
is  dead,”  at  last,  whispered  his  friends.  “He  is  alive,”  sang  the 
angels,  “and  he  liveth  forevermore.”  We  do  not  mourn  his 
death;  we  rather  rejoice  with  him  that  he  has  passed  triumph- 
antly through  his  earthly  sufferings,  and  has  at  last  received  “the 
crown  of  righteousness.” 


40 


IHjemorxal 


On  Tuesday  evening  the  Memorial  Services  were  held 
in  the  church.  The  choir  furnished  some  excellent  music. 
The  following  was  the  order  of  exercises : 

Prayer,  . - . - Rev.  A.  H.  Rhodes,  Normal. 

“Sketch  of  Dr.  Stone’s  Life,” 

Prepared  by  Mrs.  Stone,  Read  by  Dr.  Mammen. 
“College  Days,”  - - - Rev.  T.  P.  Campbell 

“Pastoral  Work,”  - - - Rev.  S.  G.  Miner. 

“Relations  to  Other  Churches,”  - Dr.  Dinsmore. 

Letter  from  Marengo  Church, 

Read  by  Mrs.  Sadie  C.  White. 
“His  Work  in  Bloomington  Association,” 

- Rev.  E.  J.  Thomas. 

“Work  as  Secretary  of  Home  Missionary  Society,” 

- Dr.  Haigh. 

“Closing  Years,”  -----  Dr.  Jackson. 
Benediction,  . . . . . Rev.  Miller. 


A FOOT  NOTE. 

I exceedingly  regret  my  inability  to  obtain  the  address  of  Dr.  Dinsmore  upon  the 
relations  of  Mr.  Stone  to  the  other  pastors  of  the  city.  It  was  a kind  and  brotherly  tribute 
from  the  only  one  now  remaining  of  those  pastors  who  were  associated  with  him. 


REV.  T.  P.  CAMPBELL. 


fROTHER  STONE  came  to  Madison  University  in  the 
Fall  of  1847.  He  entered  the  sophomore  year  of  the 
^ class  of  1850  He  at  once  took  rank  among  the  first  of 
the  class  as  a painstaking,  conscientious  student.  I never  knew 
him  to  be  absent  from  the  class  except  in  case  of  sickness  or 
absence  from  the  institution;  or  to  fail  of  being  prepared  to 
recite  when  there.  He  was  equally  conscientious  in  the  dis- 
charge of  his  religious  duties.  While  laudably  diligent  in  his 
studies,  he  did  not  allow  them  to  encroach  upon  or  interfere 
with  his  religious  duties.  He  felt  that  to  gain  intellectual 
development  and  power,  by  the  neglect  of  spiritual  culture, 
would  be  as  unwise  as  it  was  unscriptural.  Hence,  his  place 
was  always  filled  in  the  prayer-meeting,  and,  by  his  example  and 
exhortations,  contributed  largely  to  the  growth  of  spirituality 
of  his  fellow  students.  The  Eastern  Association  was  formed  by 
young  men  looking  to  the  Foreign  Field  as  their  life  work.  Of 
this  association  he  and  I were  members,  and  we  expected  at  the 
close  of  our  college  life  to  enter;  but,  in  both  our  cases,  God 
directed  differently,  and,  for  similar  reasons,  the  field  of  our 
work  was  changed.  Others  have  spoken  of  his  pastoral  work 
and  success.  The  secret  of  Brother  Stone’s  success,  I think,  is 
very  apparent.  In  the  first  place,  he  was  pre-eminently  a 
preacher.  He  seemed  to  have  no  other  desire  than  to  be  a 
faithful  ambassador  of  Christ.  To  him  it  was  the  grandest  call- 
ing to  which  God  ever  called  a man ; and,  hence,  he  had  no 
temptation  to  turn  aside  to  any  other  calling.  Neither  would 
he  have  admitted  for  a moment  the  inferiority  of  a minister  of 


the  gospel,  in  dignity  or  distinction,  to  that  of  any  other  calling 
or  position  in  life.  He  rejoiced  in  God,  with  all  his  heart,  that 
He  had  counted  him  worthy  of  putting  him  into  the  ministry. 

Again,  he  was  a gospel  preacher.  His  faith  in  the  gospel  as 
the  power  of  God  unto  salvation,  was  without  any  mental  reser- 
vation. No  amount  of  quibbling  or  semi-skeptical  objections 
had  any  influence  over  him,  or  caused  his  faith  to  flag  for  a 
moment.  He  felt  no  need  of  sensational  methods  or  the  attrac- 
tions of  brilliant  rhetoric  or  graceful  oratory.  He  could  rise  to 
the  plane  of  the  great  Apostle,  and  say,  “I  am  determined  to 
know  nothing  among  you  save  Christ  and  him  crucified.” 

The  craze  of  the  times  for  advanced  thought,  and  keeping 
abreast  of  the  times  and  the  preaching  for  the  times,  which  car- 
ried so  many  preachers  on  to  the  breakers  of  skeptical  thought, 
never  disturbed  him  for  a moment.  He  did  not  believe  that 
God  was  mistaken  as  to  His  plans,  or  that  His  omniscience  failed 
to  comprehend  all  times  and  seasons,  or  that  human  nature  and 
its  requirements  would  ever  be  essentially  different. 

I know  of  no  man  who  could  better  have  adopted  the 
language  of  the  great  Apostle,  as  the  aim  of  his  ministerial  life, 
as  recorded  in  I Cor.  ii:i-5. 


44 


J)r,  ^lang  n yaslor* 

REV.  S.  G.  MINER. 

fOME  of  the  remarks  I intended  to  make  have  been  so  well 
expressed  in  the  Biographical  Sketch,  that  I need  not 
^ dwell  upon  Dr.  Stone’s  pastoral  gifts  and  work  to  any 
considerable  length. 

He  was  an  earnest  Christian  minister,  and  whatever  his 
hands  found  to  do,  he  did  with  his  might.  He  was  consecrated 
to  Christ,  therefore  ready  for  sacrifice  or  service.  He  possessed 
pre-eminently  the  elements  and  qualifications  of  a good  pastor 
and  minister  of  Jesus  Christ, — a sound  judgment  and  wise  dis- 
cretion, and  the  one  great  object,  to  point  men  and  women  to 
Christ,  who  takes  away  their  sins.  These  have  been  conceded 
to  him  by  all  who  knew  him  best. 

In  his  pastorate  in  La  Fayette,  I know  he  was  very  faithful 
and  eminently  successful.  In  his  preaching,  prayer-meetings, 
and  other  public  meetings,  in  his  visitations,  in  families  and  by 
the  way-side,  he  seemed  to  be  in  association  with  the  Spirit  and 
power  of  God.  His  pastoral  and  mission  work  were  both 
crowned  with  wonderful  success. 

When  he  went  to  Rockford,  the  church  was  like  a boisterous 
sea,  or  raging  ocean  of  human  minds.  The  former  pastor,  a 
man  of  talent,  had  swung  out  into  gross  errors,  and  had  taken 
a considerable  number  of  the  membership  with  him,  so  that  it 
was  not  a very  happy  place  to  go  to.  Brother  Stone,  by  his  wisdom 
and  discretion,  proved  himself,  under  God,  equal  to  the  emerg- 
ency. Those  who  remained  faithful  to  the  truth  were  gathered 
together,  strengthened  and  encouraged,  and  peace  was  restored. 
A gracious  revival  ensued,  and  many  members  added  to  the 
church. 


45 


At  Marengo  his  labors  were  attended  with  great  blessing  to  the 
church,  and  large  accessions.  After  a long  and  prosperous  pas- 
torate, I asked  him  why  he  thought  of  resigning.  He  remarked, 
“the  most  of  the  ])eople  are  converted,  and  I want  to  be  where 
I can  reach  the  most  souls  with  the  Gospel,’*  thus  shewing  his 
ruling  passion  to  be  the  salvation  of  souls. 

Of  his  pastorate  here,  I need  not  speak.  You  all  know  his 
labors  were  abundant,  and  the  afflictions  of  himself  and  wife. 

There  were  two  important  elements  in  his  character. 

First,  his  power  to  impress  on  other  minds  his  own  convic- 
tions. God  gave  Dr.  Stone  this  power  in  his  preaching  and 
work  for  the  salvation  of  souls;  and  this  is  one  of  the  secrets 
of  the  success  of  our  brother  that  is  gone. 

Second,  his  power  of  adaptation.  Sometimes  he  seemed  to 
assume  power  and  decision  that  was  like  a lion,  shaking  his 
mane  and  roaring;  and  he  would  preach  God’s  truth  so  as  to 
make  men  quail  under  it.  But  when  entering  the  family  circle, 
or  meeting  with  earnest  seekers,  O ! how'  tender  and  childlike 
he  was.  He  lived  for  God  and  for  others,  rather  than  for  him- 
self, and  this  was  the  crowning  feature  of  his  whole  life. 

In  all  his  affliction,  we  never  heard  him  utter  a word  of 
complaint.  I said  to  him  on  one  occasion  “Brother  Stone,  God’s 
providence  seems  a great  mystery  to  me;  I cannot  fathom  it.” 
He  replied,  “Brother  Miner,  God  never  makes  any  mistakes.” 
And  now  he  is  gone  home.  In  one  of  my  last  visits  he  said  to 
me,  “I  want  to  go  home.  I thank  God,  my  work  is  done.  I 
don’t  want  to  stay  here  any  longer.”  Let  us  all  thank  God  that 
he  left  such  sweet  flavor  of  Christ’s  name  behind  him. 


46 


!i[rom  i^nnl|  m fflarango* 

To  the  Pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Churchy  Bloomington^  JU: 

Dear  Brother: — Among  those  gathered  in  the  service  to 
be  held  in  memory  of  Rev.  O.  B.  Stone  on  March  12th,  1889, 
we  desire  to  be  present  with  you,  as  members  of  a church  he 
honored  by  his  pastorate,  and  which  loyally  loves  him,  and 
cherishes  his  memory  to-day. 

For  four  years  he  was  the  beloved  pastor  of  the  Marengo 
Church.  They  were  years  of  large  growth  in  numbers,  in 
development  of  the  work,  and  in  abiding  influence.  To  Bro. 
Stone  and  his  devoted  wife,  the  church  are  very  largely  indebted 
for  the  rise  of  that  Missioji  Spirit^  which  has,  since  his  pastorate, 
characterized  the  years. 

By  many  of  those,  who  wrought  with  him  so  heartily,  he  has 
been  rejoined,  in  the  immortal  life.  Those  that  remain,  cherish 
his  name  and  worth  and  work  with  loving  hearts.  The  Church 
has  had  no  other  leader  more  noble  and  devoted.  The  mention 
of  his  name  is  an  inspiration  still. 

“He  that  doeth  the  will  of  God  ahideth  forever.”  It  is  this 
o?ieness  of  will  ivith  His  Father^  that  gives  Jesus  of  Nazareth 
His  immortal  influence  over  the  hearts  and  minds  of  men.  It  is 
the  open  secret  of  the  powerful  influence  of  such  men  as  O.  B. 
Stone.  They  seek  to  do  God's  will ! They  have  His  poiver! 
They  abide!  Like  the  Divine  One,  they  leave  the  earth  in  their 
transcient  personality,  that  they  may  come  again  in  abiding 
spiritual  power.  So  heaven  does  not  e?id^  but  increases  the 
influence  of  such  men  as  Bro.  Stone. 

We  need  not  sing  of  him: 

“He  is  gone:  Sweet  human  love  is  gone! 

Tis’  only  when  they  spring  to  heaven, 

That  angels  reveal  themselves  to  us! 

They  sit  all  day  beside  us,  and  lie  down  at  night  by  us — 

Who,  caring  not  for  their  presence,  ruse  or  sleep; 

And  all  at  once  they  leave  us\ — 

And  we  know  them.  ” 


47 


Death  brings  us  no  revelations  concerning  our  beloved 
brother.  We  knew  him!  He  did  not  need  to  go  to  heaven  for 
that.  We  knew  him  to  be  like  the  sun — full  of  light  and  heat. 
He  made  us  glad;  because  he  carried  the  day  within  his  souL 
We  think  these  words  belong  to  him : 

“In  the  third  watch,  alert  and  brave; 

O,  joy,  the  King  to  see; 

To  mark  his  anxious,  scanning  look 
Light  up,  beholding  me! 

The  long  watch  past;  the  sobbing  fight 
Ended;  the  victory  won; 

And,  O,  for  me,  His  word  of  praise: 

‘ Servant  of  God,  well  done'  ” 

Most  affectionately,  your  brothers  and  sisters  in  the  Marengo 
Baptist  Church, 

A.  G.  Dunsford,  Pastor, 

L.  K.  Crissey,  Clerk, 


Marengo,  March  8th,  1889. 


REV.  E.  J.  THOMAS. 


T WAS  my  privilege  to  welcome  Dr.  O.  B.  Stone  into  the 


Bloomington  Baptist  Association,  in  this  city  on  the  i8th 


^ of  Nov.,  1876.  Now  it  is  my  sad  pleasure  to  review  his 
influence  on  this  field.  Here  he  has  been  most  of  the  time  for 
the  last  twelve  years. 

Divine  revelation  informs  us  that,  “ no  man  liveth  to  him- 
self.” We  are  imitators;  we  follow  in  the  footsteps  of  each 
other.  Every  one  contributes  to  lead  humanity  to  a higher 
plane  of  civilization  and  excellency,  contributes  to  lead  men  up 
to  God;  or  he  is  by  his  influence  vitiating  and  corrupting  the 
community,  dragging  men  down  to  ruin. 

A man  is  known  by  his  characteristic  traits.  To  ascertain 
the  influence  of  Dr.  Stone,  let  us  inquire  what  were  his  leading 
life  traits? 

First,  he  was  a man  of  convictions.  On  great  moral  and 
religious  questions,  he  did  not  waver  or  vacillate.  He  formed 
his  opinions,  and  his  conclusions  were  expressed  in  terms  that 
were  unequivocal,  in  clear  statements,  honest,  without  conceal- 
ment or  deception. 

Second,  he  was  a good  man,  full  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  He 
was  a devoted,  consecrated  man  of  God.  He  esteemed  the 
Word  of  God.  The  Bible  was  his  text-book,  the  guide  of  his 
life.  By  him,  every  human  opinion  was  tested  by  the  unerring 
Word  of  God,  and  his  aim  was  to  reject  every  opinion  that  came 
in  conflict  with  that  standard. 

Third,  he  was  a man  of  peace,  Paul  to  the  Romans  said, 
(xii:i8)  ” If  it  be  possible,  as  much  as  lieth  in  you,  live  peace- 


49 


ably  with  all  men.”  To  Dr.  Stone,  this  was  an  agreeable  com- 
mand. But,  while  from  choice  he  was  a man  of  peace,  yet  if 
from  unavoidable  circumstances,  it  was  necessary  to  contend 
earnestly  for  the  faith  delivered  to  the  saints,  he  was  willing  to 
do  any  work  his  Master  required  of  him.  Rather  than  sanction 
error  he  was  a man  of  war — bold  and  vigorous  in  advocating 
what  he  considered  right.  He  did  not  tax  his  ingenuity  to  find 
soft  words  of  palliation  for  error,  corruption  or  vice.  The  seal 
of  the  Baptist  Missionary  Union,  represents  a noble  ox  standing, 
the  plow  on  one  side,  the  altar  on  the  other,  with  the  words 
above,  “ Ready  for  either.”  Dr.  Stone,  from  choice,  was  for 
peace,  but  if  the  Master  required  it,  he  was  ready  for  war. 

Fourth,  he  was  a liberal  man.  He  believed  the  Word  of 
God,  that  “ it  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive.”  He 
believed  in  “ honoring  God  with  his  substance,”  as  the  Lord 
required  of  His  people.  He  was  forward  in  doing  what  he  con- 
sidered to  be  duty  and  right.  He  was  not  the  man  to  talk 
about  his  proportion^  his  share.  He  did  not  measure  by  the 
rule  of  others,  but  by  right  and  duty  as  he  understood  it. 

Fifth,  he  was  the  patient  sufferer.  Under  very  severe  afflic- 
tions for  years;  patient  when  his  body  was  racked  with  a painful 
disease — patient  when  human  unkindness  withered  rhe  soul  of 
the  man  whose  body  was  fast  sinking  to  the  grave.  He  was  not 
only  faithful,  but  patient  unto  death. 

Sixth,  the  Bible  says,  “ no  man  dieth  to  himself.”  The 
influence  is  felt.  “ He  being  dead  yet  speaketh.”  As  he  lived 
a disciple  of  the  Lord  of  life,  he  departed  from  this  abode  in  the 
same  way,  inspiring  those  around  him  to  say,  “ Let  me  live  the 
life  of  the  righteous,  and  let  my  last  end  be  like  his.” 

During  life,  the  great  aim  of  Dr.  Stone,  since  he  became  the 
child  of  God  by  faith,  was  to  honor  Christ,  his  Savior.  In  his 
last  moments  the  same  ruling  passion  was  strong  in  death. 

Wm.  Carey,  the  pioneer  missionary,  who  gave  the  heathen 
world  the  Word  of  God  in  forty  different  languages;  Adoniram 
Judson,  who  gave  his  long,  earnest,  devoted  life  and  service  to 
India,  for  Christ’s  sake;  George  Dana  Boardman,  who  com- 
menced the  work  among  the  Karens,  so  greatly  blessed  by  the 
God  of  Missions;  all,  all  these  have  gone  to  reap  their  reward  in 


50 


heaven,  but  their  influence,  their  labors  while  on  earth,  still  give 
inspiration  to  others  to  follow  in  their  footsteps.  So  it  is,  so  it 
will  be,  I am  confident,  in  regard  to  the  influence,  the  work,  the 
example  of  Dr.  Stone  among  us.  The  workmen  may  die,  but 
their  influence  still  lives  to  give  inspiration  to  others.  Their 
works  of  faith,  and  labors  of  love  follow  them.  Their  bodily 
presence  may  not  be  seen,  but  by  their  influence,  they  still 
speak. 

The  earnestness,  the  piety,  the  devotion,  the  firmness  of  pur- 
pose of  our  late  dear  Brother  O.  B.  Stone,  and  his  patience 
under  afflictions,  shall  long  be  remembered  by  those  who  knew 
him,  and  doubtless  his  example  will  be  imitated,  and  we  will 
thank  the  Lord  that  he  ever  lived  in  our  midst.  Then  when  we 
remember  that  influence  never  ceases  as  long  as  time  lasts,  we 
may  say  in  the  language  of  Montgomery : 

“ Servant  of  God,  well  done; 

Rest  from  thy  loved  employ; 

The  battle  fought,  the  victory  won, 

Enter  thy  Master’s  joy. 

Soldier  of  Christ,  well  done; 

Praise  be  thy  new  employ; 

And  while  eternal  ages  run. 

Rest  in  thy  Saviour’s  joy.” 


51 


WILLIAM  H.  HAIGH,  D.  D. 


LL  that  was  marked  and  distinctive  in  the  life  and  labors 


of  Bro.  Stone  had  its  roots  in  his  profound  convictions 


about  the  reality  and  necessity  of  the  spiritual  life.  The 
first  sermon  I heard  him  preach  gave  me  the  key  to  his  life 
and  character.  It  was  from  the  text:  “Whosoever  he  be  of  you 
that  forsaketh  not  all  that  he  hath,  he  can  not  be  my^lisciple.” 
Luke  xiv : 33.  His  object  was  to  show  that  our  Lord  was  not 
here  making  an  arbitrary  rule,  but  stating  a simple  fact,  that 
absolute  and  total  surrender  to  Christ  was  indispensable  to 
learning  the  lessons  of  His  school,  that  wherever  the  surrender 
was  anything  but  total,  some  command  or  teaching  of  Christ 
would,  sooner  or  later,  cause  the  feet  to  stumble.  Unconditional 
surrender  indispensable  to  the  beginning  and  continuance  of 
Christian  discipleship  was  a thought  that  pervaded  every  part  of 
his  teaching,  and  found  its  way  into  every  sermon,  and  address 
and  service  that  I ever  heard  from  his  lips. 

With  such  convictions  and  with  experiences  corresponding  to 
them,  and  with  his  remarkable  powers  of  presenting  whatever  he 
believed,  he  was  most  naturally  sought  after  for  evangelistic  ser- 
vices. The  truths  which  need  to  be  emphasized  in  times  of 
deep  religious  interest,  were  the  very  truths  most  prominent  in 
his  regular  ministry,  and  he  loved  both  to  dwell  on  them,  and  to 
aid  his  brethren  in  bringing  them  before  the  people.  In  the 
winter  of  1871-2  he  gave  himself  entirely  to  this  service,  holding 
meetings  of  great  power  in  different  parts  of  the  State.  At 
Brimfield,  in  Peoria  Co.,  he  held  a meeting  which  moved  the 


52 


whole  town,  bringing  many  prominent  citizens  under  the  power 
of  the  truth.  He  came  from  Brimfield  direct  to  Mendota,  where 
I was  then  Pastor,  and  held  meetings  for  some  weeks.  He 
lived  all  the  time  in  my  house,  and  we  considered  it  both  an 
honor  and  a privilege  to  entertain  him.  He  preached  twice 
every  day  during  the  whole  time,  and  it  seemed  impossible  for 
such  a series  to  be  surpassed  in  the  earnestness,  thoroughness 
and  solemnity  with  which  the  truth  of  God  was  presented.  He 
was  especially  powerful  in  the  detection  and  exposure  of  those 
false  motives  and  excuses  which  keep  the  soul  away  from  Christ, 
or,  in  the  case  of  the  Christian,  keep  him  from  full  devotion  and 
fidelity  to  duty. 

He  had  one  sermon  of  special  mark,  addressed  to  moral  men 
who  trust  to  their  natural  goodness  and  fidelity  to  all  relations 
with  men,  and  who  see  no  need  of  Christ.  This  sermon  he 
preached  in  various  parts  of  the  country,  and  in  the  hearing  of 
some  of  our  ablest  ministers,  and  it  was  pronounced  everywhere 
one  of  the  most  powerful  sermons  to  which  they  had  ever 
listened.  The  text  was  in  Malachi  i:6;  “A  son  honoreth  his 
father,  and  a servant  his  master;  if  then  I be  a father,  where  is 
mine  honor?  And  if  I be  a master,  where  is  my  fear?  saith  the 
Lord.”  He  showed  that  instead  of  the  fidelity  of  men  in  all 
their  relations  to  others  proving  that  they  were  not  sinners,  it  did 
but  aggavate  their  guilt  before  Cod  that  they  loved  and  served 
men,  but  failed  to  love  and  serve  Cod.  This  sermon  was  greatly 
blessed  with  us  as  in  other  places,  and  some  men  who  had  been 
stout-hearted  against  all  appeals  were  brought  to  bow  in  sub- 
mission before  God. 

A man  with  such  convictions,  and  such  experiences,  was 
necessarily  a missionary  at  heart.  Whenever  the  voice  of  Cod 
called,  he  was  ready  to  obey;  wherever  the  hand  of  God 
pointed,  he  was  ready  to  go.  He  was  just  the  man  to  hear  the 
Divine  call  to  California,  at  a time  when  that  State  was  in  the 
midst  of  its  earliest  agitations.  I have  heard  him  describe,  with 
almost  breathless  interest,  the  days  when  vigilance  committees 
had  to  take  in  hand  the  control  of  ungodly  men.  After  his 
return  to  the  East,  he  was  soon  selected,  by  reason  of  his 
extensive  acquaintance  with  the  country,  his  powerful  convic- 


53 


tions,  and  his  great  energy,  as  District  Secretary  of  the  Home 
Mission  Society  for  the  West,  and  for  several  years  he  gave  his 
life  to  this  important  work,  at  a time  when  the  opening  of  the 
New  West  called  for  special  and  enlarged  effort  to  meet  its 
needs.  It  was  during  one  of  his  visits  to  this  State  in  1866^ 
23  years  ago,  that  I first  formed  his  acquaintance.  In  this  work 
he  continued  for  several  years,  bringing  to  it  that  earnestness  of 
purpose,  and  loftiness  of  appeal  for  which  he  was  most  remark- 
able. He  afterwards  became  pastor  at  I. a Fayette,  Ind.,  Rock- 
ford, Marengo,  and  finally  Bloomington,  111.  On  all  these 
fields  he  carried  out,  in  a way  that  never  can  be  forgotten,  the 
principles  which  governed  his  own  life.  No  sooner  did  he 
appear  at  our  General  Association,  held  that  year  at  Champaign, 
than  he  made  himself  felt  as  a man  of  power.  He  stirred  all 
hearts  by  his  vigorous  appeals.  He  was  at  once  placed  on  the 
Committee  on  Higher  Education,  and  on  the  State  Board,  and 
was  looked  up  to  as  a leader.  His  views  of  the  completeness  of 
Christian  consecration,  gave  him  a leverage  for  appealing  for 
money  which  few  could  resist.  He  pressed  home,  with  living 
power  the  thought,  that  every  Christian  is  a steward,  and  what 
he  is  and  what  he  has  must  be  held  subject  to  Divine  call. 
There  were  special  occasions  when  his  leadership  in  this  direc- 
tion was  made  memorable. 

At  Canton,  in  1873,  beginning  with  a plan  to  raise  $1,000 
for  the  Church  Edifice  Fund,  his  burning  words  wrought  with 
such  power  that  $3,500  was  raised  in  pledges  in  a few  minutes. 
At  Alton,  in  1875,  ^ similar  appeal  was  made  in  behalf  of  the 
State  debt,  and  $1,257  was  quickly  given.  At  the  Carrollton 
Association,  in  1878,  he  was  specially  invited  to  present  the 
same  theme. 

Nor  was  this  service  simply  public  and  official.  He  care- 
fully, for  many  years,  adjusted  his  own  contributions  to  the 
standard  he  set  up  for  others.  He  was  a careful,  far-sighted 
business  man,  and  he  used  his  utmost  skill  in  providing  means 
for  benevolent  work.  His  liberality  was  unusual  and  well 
known,  his  officers  testifying,  that  sometimes  his^  gifts  for  an 
object  were  larger  than  the  contributions  of  the  whole  church  of 
which  he  was  Pastor. 


54 


His  lofty  devotion  showed  itself  in  all  his  life.  He  really 
seemed  to  have  no  conception  of  any  need  to  pause  or  rest,  or 
that  any  allowance  could  be  made  for  human  weakness,  or 
human  frailty.  No  martyr  ever  went  to  the  stake  with  a finer 
courage,  or  more  unfaltering  step,  than  that  with  which  he  went 
forward  in  every  day’s  duty.  In  the  days  of  the  martyrs,  O.  B. 
Stone  would  have  been  one  of  the  foremost.  At  the  same  time 
he  had  the  tenderest  and  most  loving  heart,  and  I count  it  as 
one  of  the  privileges  of  my  life  to  have  known  him  and  enjoyed 
his  confidence  and  love. 

A letter  just  received  from  Rev.  Dr.  Bulkley,  of  Shurtleff 
College,  after  referring  to  a number  of  the  incidents  just  men- 
tioned, concludes  with  these  beautiful  and  appropriate  words, 
with  which  this  brief  sketch  may  fittingly  close  : 

“ Few  men  among  us  have  reached  his  altitude.  Clear 
headed,  self-poised,  large  hearted,  well  balanced,  symmetrically 
developed,  he  was  ever  the  trusted  friend,  the  wise  counsellor, 
the  profound  divine,  the  pure  and  noble  Christian  gentleman. 
No  language  of  mine  can  convey  my  appreciation  of  the  noble- 
ness of  his  character — one  of  the  grandest  men  in  the  Baptist 
ministry  of  Illinois.  I loved  him  as  a brother,  I revered  him 
as  a minister.” 


55 


JNO.  L.  JACKSON,  D.  D. 


T WOULD  NOT  be  fitting  to  end  these  memorial  services 


without  some  reference  to  the  period  of  his  life  when 


4*  Dr.  Stone  was  laid  aside  from  active  work.  These  were 
years  of  great  bodily  suffering.  The  body  cast  in  an  iron  mould 
gradually  gave  way  at  the  insidious  march  of  that  disease,  which 
always  brings  with  it  such  intense  anguish.  It  is  nine  years 
since  that  memorable  winter  when  he  attempted  the  double 
work  of  ministering  to  a suffering  wife  at  home  and  carrying  on 
a revival  in  the  church.  The  work  was  too  much  even  for  his 
strength.  Those  inexorable  physical  laws,  which  regard  neither 
goodness  of  heart  nor  nobleness  of  purpose  demanded  the 


That  effort  closed  the  work  of  his  public  ministry.  The  time 
that  elapsed  since  then  has  been  a period  of  gradually  failing 
strength  and  increasing  bodily  pain.  First  he  was  missed  from 
the  pulpit.  Then  the  faltering  step  was  seen  no  more  on  the 
streets.  At  last  his  seat  was  vacant  in  the  house  of  God,  and  he 
was  held  a prisoner  in  his  home. 

These  weary  days  were  not  spent  in  repining.  Throughout 
the  long  imprisonment  he  kept  up  a cheerful  courage.  He 
would  sometimes,  in  a half  humorous  way,  refer  to  his  trembling 
limbs.  His  face  would  always  light  up  with  a smile  of  welcome 
when  his  friends  came  to  call  upon  him.  He  seldom  referred  to 
his  sufierings  except  when  spoken  to  on  the  subject,  and  then  he 
always  looked  upon  the  bright  side,  assuring  us  that  it  was  all 
for  the  best,  and  that  the  Heavenly  Father  made  no  mistakes  in 
dealing  with  his  children. 


penalty. 


While  shut  up  in  the  house  his  interest  was  still  intense  in  the 
world  that  lay  without.  Especially  did  he  follow  with  keenest 
sympathy  the  work  of  spreading  the  Gospel  of  Christ.  The  tri- 
umphs in  the  Mission  fields  were  his  triumphs.  The  successes  in 
the  local  church  of  which  he  was  a member  were  his  successes. 
Though  not  permitted  to  help  by  deed  and  exhortation,  he  was 
a true  helper  in  prayer,  in  consultation  and  in  sympathy.  Were 
any  in  the  church  in  trouble?  He  had  a kind  and  helpful  word. 
Were  any  sick?  He  forgot  his  own  sufferings  in  sympathy  with 
them.  Were  any  asking  the  way  to  God?  How  deep  was  his 
interest  in  their  salvation. 

During  the  last  year  of  his  life  he  was  greatly  concerned,  with 
the  rest  of  the  church,  in  the  effort  to  erect  the  new  house  of 
worship.  He  could  not  permit  the  building  to  go  forward  with- 
out his  name  upon  the  subscription  list  with  a generous  offering. 
When  it  was  at  last  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  God,  and  the 
church  sang  the  Doxology  over  the  finished  work,  no  heart  beat 
with  greater  joy  over  its  consummation  than  that  one  which  is  so 
still  to-night. 

In  his  sympathy  and  love  for  the  rest  of  the  world,  it  seemed 
that  he  thought  little  of  himself.  I doubt  not  that  he  escaped 
the  consciousness  of  much  suffering  by  his  great  interest  in  other 
people. 

Perhaps  others  would  be  glad  to  know  what  was  his  opinion 
of  the  effect  of  suffering  upon  the  moral  and  spiritual  nature  of 
man.  I remember  that  he  once  said:  ‘‘The  common  opinion 

is  that  sorrow  softens  the  heart  and  leads  men  to  God.  This, 
however,  is  not  its  natural  effect.  Without  the  grace  of  God,  to 
teach  patience  and  submission,  it  will  harden  the  heart  and 
lead  to  doubt  and  unbelief.  Nothing  but  divine  grace  can  make 
affliction  a blessing  to  the  race.” 

He  had  that  grace  in  his  heart,  and  so  he  received  the  bless- 
ing that  may  accompany  pain  and  anguish  of  body.  I observed 
that,  as  the  months  passed  by  and  his  bodily  afflictions  became 
more  severe,  he  grew  more  tender  to  those  about  him,  and  more 
trusting  in  the  kind  Father  in  heaven.  His  great,  strong  nature 
ripened  into  the  beauty  and  grace  of  a childlike  experience. 
The  Sculptor  aimed  every  blow  with  infinite  wisdom,  taking  off 


57 


the  rough  edges,  and  leaving  the  character  rounded,  smooth  and 
beautiful. 

During  the  closing  months  people  would  sometimes  say  to 
me,  “We  cannot  visit  Dr.  Stone.  He  suffers  so  much  that  it 
excites  our  sympathy  and  gives  us  pain.”  For  my  own  part,  I 
seldom  thought  of  that  home  as  a place  of  suffering.  I found 
there  such  patience  and  cheerfulness,  such  trust  in  God,  and 
love  for  men,  that  it  seemed  a very  gate  of  heaven.  I used  to 
delight  to  linger  there.  I was  his  pastor,  but  he  was  more  than 
pastor  to  me.  A minister  of  the  gospel  of  large  and  varied 
experience,  a saint  of  God,  triumphant  in  the  midst  of  great 
affliction,  I found  in  his  society  a strength  and  inspiration  for 
my  work,  such  as  I often  sorely  needed. 

In  calling  to  mind  these  nine  long  years  of  waiting,  I do  not 
think  that  we  should  allow  our  thoughts  to  dwell  chiefly  upon 
his  afflictions.  With  his  pain  came  much  pleasure,  and  in  his 
sorrow  he  had  great  joy.  He  had  meat  to  eat  that  the  world 
knew  not  of.  I have  heard  it  often  said  that  in  his  home  was 
the  greatest  suffering  in  our  fair  city.  I do  not  know  but  that 
it  was  the  happiest  home  in  the  city.  Perhaps  in  all  our  broad 
streets  there  was  not  a happier  man  than  he.  I know  he  had 
much  reason  to  rejoice  and  be  glad.  God  had  given  him  many 
blessings,  some  of  the  very  richest  that  a mortal  can  enjoy.  He 
had  a family, — and  what  a family!  With  loving  children  minis- 
tering to  every  want,  watching  over  him  with  tenderest  sympa- 
thy; with  a wife,  a true  helpmeet  in  days  of  strength,  and  a 
brave  fellow-sufferer  in  days  of  weakness,  what  more  could 
a man  ask  for  to  make  on  earth  a happy  home.  When  such  a 
home  becomes  a prison,  as  indeed  his  was  to  him,  love  trans- 
forms it  into  a palace,  and  makes  his  chains  ornaments  of  gold. 
He  had  more  than  the  love  of  home.  The  church,  of  which  he 
was  a faithful  pastor  in  the  days  of  his  strength,  and  in  whose 
service  he  sacrificed  his  health,  did  not  forget  him  in  his  afflic- 
tion. As  far  as  they  were  permitted,  they  were  glad  to  do  any- 
thing to  smooth  the  bed  of  pain.  Even  beyond  what  their 
hands  could  do,  their  love  went  out  in  sympathy  and  prayer  for 
him.  The  Baptist  Brotherhood,  in  this  state  and  in  other  states, 
did  not  forget  his  services  in  the  cause  of  Christ,  and  constantly 

58 


sent  to  him  assurances  of  their  good-will  and  their  appreciation 
of  his  work. 

With  such  a home,  such  a church,  such  a brotherhood,  could 
the  severest  pain  rob  him  of  his  joy?  Could  bodily  anguish 
reach  deep  enough  to  disturb  his  peace  of  mind? 

Beyond  all  earthly  love  and  sympathy  was  the  fellowship 
with  his  Saviour,  which  transformed  his  sick  room  into  a Bethel, 
and  made  the  closing  years  of  his  sorrowful  pilgrimage  a verit- 
able walk  to  Emmaus. 

Shall  we  call  such  a life  a suffering  one?  How  false  will  be 
our  memory  of  his  closing  years,  if  we  bring  his  pain  into  the 
foreground,  and  regard  that  as  his  chief  portion.  He  had  an 
inheritance  of  good  things,  such  as  few  men  on  earth  have  en- 
joyed. He  was  rich  in  the  estate  which  his  Heavenly  Father 
had  given  him,  and  he  lived  in  it  contented  and  happy  to  the 
last. 

The  end  has  come.  The  story  of  his  life  has  been  told. 
The  earthly  joy  and  sorrow  are  passed.  I'o  him  the  golden 
gates  have  opened.  The  Master  has  already  said,  ‘‘Well  done, 
good  and  faithful  servant.” 


59 


/ 


^jemorial 


THE  Semi-Centennial  Anniversary  of  the  Bloomington 
Church  in  1887,  a historical  sketch  was  read  from  the 
^ pen  of  Dr.  S.  Bishop,  deacon  of  the  church  for  many 
years.  From  it  we  take  the  following  extract: 

“In  the  beautiful,  tender  and  impressive  farewell  sermon  of 
Dr.  C.  E.  Hewitt,  he  bespeaks  for  the  church  ‘ that  soon  his 
successor  be  secured,  and  that  he  be  an  honesty  soimd^  judicious^ 
devoted  pastor,  who  conscientiously  and  earnestly  preaches  the 
Gospel  of  Christ;  a man  who  will  both  feed  and  tend  the  flock 
of  God.’ 

“ This  language  seems  almost  prophetic,  for  on  the  15th 
day  of  October  following,  it  had  a literal  fulfilment.  Dr.  O.  B. 
Stone  was  the  succeeding  pastor,  and  the  ideal  one  of  Mr. 
Hewitt.  He  was  honesty  he  was  sounds  he  was  judicious^  he  was 
a devoted  pastor,  he  did  conscientiously  and  earnestly  preach  the 
Gospel  of  Christ,  and  he  did  both  feed  and  tend  the  flock  of 
God ; and,  sorrowful  to  be  said,  lie  was  offered  up  ‘ upon  the 
sacrifice  and  service  of  their  faith.’  For  towards  the  close  of  a 
four  years’  service,  he  was  compelled  from  failing  health,  brought 
on  from  excessive  daily  labor,  and  care  by  night  for  his  sick 
wife,  to  ask  the  church  that  his  pastorate  might  close  the  last 
Sabbath  in  July.  This  beloved  man  of  God,  though  ever  since 
that  time  entirely  disabled,  still  lives  among  us,  a monument  of 
self-sacrificing  devotion  in  the  interests  of  others,  and  of  cheer- 
ful faith,  and  patience  in  suffering.  During  Dr.  Stone’s  pastorate 
there  were  168  additions,  98  of  whom  were  by  baptism.” 


The  following  beautiful  tribute  was  published  in  the 
Examiner, 

REV.  O.  B.  STONE,  D.  D. 

“ This  noble  and  stalwart  man  of  God  passed  to  his  reward 
and  rest  a short  time  ago,  in  the  city  of  Bloomington,  III.  He 

63 


was  born  in  Homer,  N.  Y.,  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen  he  was 
baptized  by  Dr.  Edward  Bright.  Dr.  Stone  was  educated  at 
Madison  University  and  Rochester  Theological  Seminary,  and 
was  ordained  to  the  ministry  in  Xenia,  O.,  the  sermon  being 
preached  by  Dr.  D.  B.  Cheney.  He  began  his  work  in  the  far 
West,  taking  the  Gospel  into  the  saloons  and  gambling  dens  of 
the  Pacific  coast.  In  1864  he  received  an  appointment  as  Home 
Mission  Secretary,  his  field  being  the  entire  region  west  of 
New  York  and  Pennsylvania.  After  three  years  service  he  was 
offered  the  Secretaryship  with  Dr.  Backus,  but  his  longing  for 
the  pastorate  was  so  great  that  he  declined  this  appointment. 

“And  what  a noble  work  in  the  pastorate  he  did!  He  was 
a man  of  the  very  deepest  convictions,  and  of  a mighty  courage. 
I have  seen  and  heard  him  lift  up  his  bold  voice  against  some 
popular  local  evil,  though  others  were  weak,  and  trembling,  and 
silent.  There  was  something  majestic  and  awe-inspiring  in  him 
at  such  times,  and  men  felt  as  though  he  were  clothed  with  the 
power  and  authority  of  the  Almighty;  he  impressed  men  as  a 
messenger  of  God.  In  his  pastoral  work  he  was  indefatigable, 
and  was  always  doing  evangelistic  work  in  some  out-station, 
riding  through  night,  and  storm,  and  bitter  cold  to  preach  the 
Gospel,  and  persuade  men  to  become  reconciled  to  God.  He 
was  a man  also  of  large  generosity,  setting  an  example  of  giv- 
ing to  his  churches,  and  he  was  unselfish  and  hospitable  to  the 
extreme. 

“In  1879,  while  pastor  at  Bloomington,  III.,  he  was  stricken 
with  paralysis,  and  has  since  been  growing  more  and  more  help- 
less with  the  years.  All  this  time  his  wife  has  been  also  greatly 
afflicted,  but  no  word  of  complaint  have  I ever  heard  escape 
his  lips — cheerful,  happy,  hopeful,  patient,  thankful,  sunny  and 
bright  down  to  the  last.  A noble,  heroic,  self-denying,  mighty 
man  of  valor  and  of  God  has  fallen  in  the  ranks;  but  his  mem- 
ory is  sacred,  and  his  name  is  honored,  and  his  work  endures. 
May  his  mantle  fall  on  us.  He  was  at  one  time  a faithful  and 
loving  pastor  of  mine,  and  as  I think  of  this  bold  prophet 
ascending  to  his  God,  my  soul  cries  out,  ‘My  Father,  my 
Father,  the  chariots  of  Israel  and  the  horsemen  thereof.’  ’’ 

Kittredge  Wheeler. 


64 


“ We  were  not  taken  by  surprise  to  hear  of  the  departure  of 
Bro.  Stone.  Ever  since  we  were  with  you  we  had  been  looking 
for  it.  Indeed,  in  view  of  his  constant  suffering,  our  prayer  had 
been:  Come,  Lord  Jesus,  come  quickly,  and  take  him  to  his  long 
desired  rest;  and  yet  if  health  could  have  been  restored,  for 
none  could  we  have  desired  a longer  stay  in  this  world  than  he. 
He  was  a noble  and  excellent  man,  we  loved  him  as  a brother, 
A man  of  wonderful  intellectual  power,  and  all  of  his  ability  of 
body  and  mind  consecrated  to  the  cause  of  Christ.  Work  was 
his  delight,  and  none  labored  more  indefatigably,  while  permitted 
to  do  so.  And  he  was  encouraged  by  the  evidence  that  his 
labors  were  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  Wherever  he  proclaimed 
the  Gospel,  he  made  a deep  impression,  he  spoke  as  one  divinely 
commissioned,  and  many  were  the  trophies  he  won  to  the  Savior, 
which  are  now  studding  his  crown.  We  shall  never  forget  his 
labors  with  us  in  Brimfield,  when  some  fifty  were  gathered  into 
the  church,  and  his  influence  for  good  is  still  felt  there;  and  so  it 
is  in  all  the  fields  where  he  toiled.  Now,  while  he  rests  from  his 
labors,  his  works  do  follow  him;  yes,  and  they  will  continue  to 
follow  him  to  the  end  of  time.  His  long  period  of  patient 
suffering  has  made  an  impression  in  Bloomington,  throughout 
Illinois,  and  wherever  he  was  known,  that  will  long  be  felt.  While 
shut  away  from  the  world,  he  was  more  powerfully  than  ever 
preaching  to  the  world.’’ 

A.  Guy. 

“I  have  just  heartl  that  your  dear  husband  has  gone  to  his 
rest,  and  is  to  be  buried  to-day.  It  is  just  too  late  to  go  in 
person,  as  I wish  I could  do,  but  I hasten  to  send  you  a word 
of  sympathy. 

“Doubtless  the  friends  will  sing  to  day  these  words  so  fitting 
for  him: 

“ ‘Servant  of  God,  well  done, 

Rest  from  thy  loved  employ. 

The  battle  fought,  the  victory  won, 

Enter  thy  Master’s  joy.  ’ 

“His  name  might  have  been  Boanerges,  for  while  like  John, 
he  had  a great  loving  heart,  he  was  verily  one  of  the  ‘ Sons  of 


Thunder.’  He  was  a man  of  great  devotion  and  of  great  power 
in  public  appeal.  He  was  especially  great  in  great  emergencies^ 
“If  he  had  a weakness,  it  was  in  allowing  himself  to  do  too 
much.  I felt  very  sad  when  he  broke  down,  and  have  had  great 
sympathy  with  both  of  you  since;  I do  not  now  feel  sad  on  his 
account.  The  long  waiting  is  over,  and  the  reward  is  his.  Praise 
God!” 

C.  IT  Hewitt. 


“ Your  letter  tells  us  that  he  entered  Heaven  on  the  morning 
of  Wednesday,  Feb.  20th.  Blessed  day!  We  are  not  able  to 
regard  it  so  much  as  the  day  of  his  death,  as  of  his  promotion 
into  the  company  of  the  just  made  perfect  in  Immanuel’s  Land; 
the  consummation  of  his  intense  desires  and  prayers,  from  which 
our  love  for  him  would  not  have  detained  him  for  a single  hour. 
'Phat  the  child  of  a King  has  gone  home  to  the  glory  of  his 
Father’s  house,  we  are  assured.  VVe  congratulate  him.  We 
congratulate  We  congratulate  that  immortal  company. 

“ ‘What  did  we  ask,  with  all  our  love  for  him, 

But  just  a little  breath  of  fuller  life 
To  float  the  laV)oring  lungs.  And  God 
Hath  given  him  Life  itself,  Everlasting  Life. 

“ ‘ What  did  we  seek  ? Some  healing  clime 

For  him  we  loved  ? He  has  found  that  shore. 

That  city  whose  inhabitants 
Are  sick  and  sorrowful  no  more. 

“ ‘ What  did  we  wish  but  perfect  peace 

To  soothe  the  troubled  anguish  of  his  breast; 

And  numbered  with  the  loved  and  called, 

He  enters  an  untroubled  rest.’ 

“ feel  that  with  you  are  the  tenderest  emotions  of 

our  hearts,  and  unspeakable  sympathy.  May  the  sweet  con- 
solations, the  words  fragrant  of  comfort  and  joy,  with  which 
you  have  comforted  many  another  suffering  heart  come  back  to 
you  after  many  days,  as  bread  and  wine,  to  strengthen  and 
cheer  your  owm.” 

In  all  the  tenderness  of  long-standing  affection. 

Your  Brothers  and  Sisters 

IN  THE  Marengo  Baptist  Church. 


66 


“It  does  seem  to  me  that  above  all  the  ambassadors  of  the 
Master,  Dr.  Stone  was  sent  to  me  direct,  with  a special  message, 
as  a teacher,  leader,  comforter  and  help.  I look  back  to  the 
days  when  he  first  came  to  Bloomington,  and  call  to  mind  the 
sermons  upon  Christian  character  and  Christian  work.  They 
were  so  helpful  to  me  in  young  manhood,  when  I was  seeking 
or  waiting  for  my  work  to  be  pointed  out  to  me. 

“January,  1878,  by  his  influence,  I was  elected  Superintend- 
ent of  our  Sabbath  school.  Unfit  and  inexperienced  I stood 
before  him  and  before  the  Master  trembling.  It  was  then  that 
Dr.  Stone,  in  his  gentle,  loving  way,  taught  me  that  my  strength, 
as  well  as  his,  was  in  our  weakness,  and  he  went  with  me  to  the 
source  of  strength,  wisdom  and  experience,  asking  that  Strong 
Arm  to  aid  and  guide.  Then  it  was  that  I undertook  the  work, 
as  best  I could,  of  leading  the  children  to  the  Savior.  This  was 
the  beginning  of  what  has  proven  to  me  so  beneficial,  a work  I 
have  enjoyed  more  than  any  other  I ever  attempted.  During 
the  years  that  he  was  my  pastor,  not  a week  passed  without  our 
•consulting  together,  and  bringing  to  the  Savior  together  the 
interests  of  our  school,  which  was  at  that  time  larger  than  it  had 
ever  been  before.  In  the  children’s  meetings,  many  were 
brought  into  the  church,  and  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth. 

“As  soon  as  I w^as  fairly  started  in  the  work  of  the  Superin- 
tendent, God  seemed  to  open  up  larger  fields  to  me.  As  from 
township  Presidency  to  county,  district,  and  finally  to  the  state 
Presidency,  Dr.  Stone  was  by  my  side,  in  counsel  and  in  prayer, 
and  at  every  turn,  and  upon  all  occasions,  he  seemed  to  enjoy 
ray  success  at  the  hands  of  the  Lord  as  much  as  his  own. 
I can  but  say  that  all  that  I have  been  able  to  accomplish  under 
God,  the  credit  largely  belongs  to  that  dearly  beloved,  ever 
kind  and  faithful  pastor. 

“When  laid  aside  from  actual  service,  again  he  was  a won- 
derful help  to  me,  as  well  as  to  all  who  knew  him.  His  patience, 
his  smiles,  his  trust,  were  sermons  more  comprehensive,  more 
effectual,  if  possible,  than  those  he  preached  from  the  pulpit, 
for  what  he  preached  while  in  health,  he  lived  and  enjoyed  while 
in  affliction.  He  who  so  often  told  us  that  the  Lord,  in  time  of 
trouble,  would  hide  us  in  the  secret  of  His  pavillion,  proved  that 

67 


God  fulfilled  all  his  promises.  His  patient  life  and  kind  words 
are  to-day  not  only  ringing  in  my  ears,  and  remembered  in  my 
heart,  but  also  in  the  hearts  and  ears  of  those  that  knew  him. 
His  life  and  his  death  are  positive  evidences  of  the  truth  of 
the  religion  which  he  professed  and  taught,  that  Christ  and  His 
grace  are  sufficient  to  the  Christian,  in  joy  and  in  sorrow,  in 
health  and  in  sickness,  in  life  and  in  death.’’ 

J.  R.  Mason. 


Rockford,  Feb.  21st. 

Dear  Sister : — “ I mentioned  the  death  of  your  dear  husband 
in  our  meeting  last  evening.  All  who  knew  him  were  much 
affected  and  seemed  deeply  moved.  The  pastor.  Dr.  S.,  imme- 
diately arose  and  made  some  very  touching  remarks,  and 
requested  that  we  spend  a season  of  prayer  for  God’s  blessing 
upon  the  family  of  our  deceased  brother.  Some  fifteen  minutes 
were  then  spent  in  this  way,  and  I was  requested  to  convey  the 
sympathies  of  the  church  to  you  in  this  hour  of  affliction.” 

S.  P.  Crawford. 


“How  thankful  I am  that  dear  uncle’s  last  hours  were  so  quiet 
and  easy.  Oh ! how  he  has  suffered ! What  a change  it  must  be 
for  his  liberated  soul ! It  sends  a thrill  through  me  to  think  of 
the  glories  which  surround  him  this  moment,  and  to  think  we 
shall  soon  join  him.  I am  so  glad  that  I had  the  opportunity  of 
hearing  his  voice,  and  receiving  his  blessing  before  he  went 
home  to  glory.  O,  that  I may  be  a worthy  successor.  May  his 
ministerial  mantle  fall  on  me.  I do  treasure  what  I have  received 
from  him  so  highly.  His  useful  life  has  been  a continual 
inspiration.” 

I^.  W.  Terry. 


My  Dear  Mother: — “May  God  sustain  you  in  this  hour  of 
great  affliction.  While  we  all  sorrow,  and  you  above  us  all,  that 
dear  father  is  no  longer  with  us,  we  can  not  but  rejoice  that  he 


68 


has  found  rest,  and  that  he  is  far  happier  now  than  when  he  was 
with  us.  I love  my  father,  and  his  nobility  of  character  shall 
ever  live  in  my  memory,  and  encourage  me  in  my  journey 
through  life.  I have  never  yet  met  a man  more  consecrated  to 
God’s  service.  I never  knew  him  to  avoid  any  Christian  work 
because  of  its  unpleasantness.  He  was  willing  to  die  daily,  that 
lost  souls  might  be  led  to  enlist  under  the  banner  of  Christ. 
Dear  mother,  as  he  has  helped  you,  so  he  is  helping  and  will 
continue  to  help  me.  It  is  a great  hardship  for  us  to  be  away 
from  you  at  this  time.” 

Your  Sorrowing  Son, 

Ed. 


“No  preaching  of  the  Word  ever  took  hold  on  me,  as  did  his 
plain,  earnest  presentation  of  it;  every  sermon  seemed  for  me^ 
and  I appropriated  it  to  my  own  benefit.  His  prunings  were 
often  humiliating  to  my  pride,  but  always  healthful  to  my  soul, 
and  I shall  always  thank  God  that  I had  the  privilege  of  his 
teaching.  I count  it  a great  honor,  too,  to  have  been  one 
of  his  intimate  personal  friends,  and  to  have  had  his  influence  in 
my  home,  in  leading  my  husband  and  children  to  Christ.  When 
others  had  urged  my  husband  to  join  the  Church  thinking  he  was 
converted,  he  urged  him  to  ‘ repent,  and  turn  to  the  Lord,’  and 
this  plain  exhortation  he  heeded  to  the  savdng  of  his  soul.  The 
children  have  always  loved  and  revered  him,  and  loved  to  hear 
him  preach.  Though  his  sermons  might  not  have  seemed 
specially  adapted  to  children,  yet  the  truth  plainly  spoken  does 
reach  the  hearts  of  the  children.  I count  it  such  a privilege 
during  these  years  of  his  sickness  to  have  met  him  often,  and 
death  will  never  seem  so  dreadful,  since  I have  seen  how  he 
looked  upon  it  so  calmly,  even  cheerfully.” 

D.  L.  McF. 


“We  have  been  living  over  in  memory  the  years  of  the  past, 
when  we  ‘took  sweet  counsel  together’  concerning  the  Master’s 
work.  How  much  we  used  to  enjoy  your  visits  and  Bro.  Stone’s 
sermons.  How  they  helped  us.  His  words  and  his  influence 

69 


still  live  to  bless  many,  though  he  himself  has  gone.  We  pray 
there  be  revealed  to  you  such  visions  of  glory  as  shall  make  you 
to  forget  the  pain  and  sorrow  of  earth.” 

E.  B.  F. 


‘‘Asleep  in  Jesus;  gone  to  rest;  basking  in  the  pure  light 
of  heaven;  singing  the  songs  of  the  redeemed  around  the  throne 
of  God.  O,  what  joy  is  his  to-day,  freed  from  all  pain  and 
suffering,  and  ‘safe  in  the  arms  of  Jesus.’  He  has  gone  just  a 
little  in  advance,  and  is  now  waiting  to  give  you  a cheerful  and 
joyous  welcome.”  H.  M.  O. 


“I  imagine  there  was  a shout  of  victory  as  he  entered  through 
the  gates,  for  he  went  bearing  his  sheaves  with  him.  I shall 
never  forget  his  kindness  to  me  and  mine.  Dear  mother  loved 
him  so  dearly.  How  disappointed  she  was  if  anything  hindered 
his  daily  visit  to  her.  He  was,  indeed,  a faithful  and  loving 
shepherd.”  J.  C. 


“I  shall  always  remember  him  with  great  affection.  His  calls 
were  always  so  helpful  to  me.  I shall  never  forget  that  evening 
before  you  went  away,  as  we  knelt  together  in  the  parlor,  and 
united  in  prayer  that  God’s  blessing  might  rest  upon  us.  My 
heart  was  very  tender  as  we  sang  those  beautiful  hymns  that  you 
and  Mr.  Stone  used  to  sing  with  so  much  expression.” 

M.  E.  B. 


“Those  of  us  who  have  worked  with  Mr.  Stone,  can  testify 
that  he  was  a grand,  good  man,  earnest  and  faithful.  can 

truly  say  that  he  was  a ‘ good  steward  of  the  manifold  grace  of 
God,’  and  what  more  can  we  say.” 

F.  W.  P. 


“I  have  just  heard  of  Dr.  Stone’s  death.  I feel  that  in  his 
demise  I have  lost  a most  trusty  adviser,  as  well  as  a dear  friend.” 

D.  D.  H. 


70 


“I  mourn  with  those  that  mourn.  He  baptized  me.  I loved 
him  because  he  was  like  a father;  always  greeted  me  with  a 
smile,  even  when  suffering  untold  agony. 


E.  F.  P. 


“O,  what  a joyful  release.  ‘No  crape,  no  mourning,  no 
darkening  of  the  windows  for  one  on  whom  has  fallen  the  light 
of  the  eternal  kingdom;  no  tears  for  him  who  has  gone  where 
tears  are  wiped  away  forever.’  Our  hearts  go  out  in  sympathy 
for  you,  but  we  feel  that  He,  who  never  lays  a new  burden  with- 
out giving  strength  to  meet  it,  is  nigh.” 

E.  1...  P. 


“I  think  of  you  as  I last  saw  you,  sitting  there  together  so 
cheerful,  your  children,  so  helpful  and  kind.  Then  I think  of 
the  morning  prayers,  when  heaven  seemed  to  come  down  our 
souls  to  meet  at  the  blest  mercy  seat.” 

T).  S.  K. 


“ ‘Christ  was  in  him  the  hope  of  glory,’  and  that  to  the  help 
of  many.  In  times  of  discouragement  and  trial,  I have  had  such 
spiritual  help  and  comfort  from  him.  As  I came  away  from 
your  home,  I felt  each  time  that  I had  been  blessed  of  the 
dear  I.ord,  through  the  words  spoken  there.” 

P.  C. 


“To-night  the  news  has  reached  us,  that  the  dear  saint  has 
entered  into  rest.  How  blissful  has  been  this,  his  first  Sabbath 
in  Paradise ! 

‘ In  the  sweet  fields  of  Eden, 

There  is  rest  for  the  weary.’ 

The  measure  of  his  suffering  was  at  last  full,  and  the  patient 
waiting  for  release,  is  now  receiving  infinite  reward.  A song  of 
victory  seems  more  fitting  than  any  sound  of  mourning.  Even 
your  lone  heart  could  not  for  a moment  desire  his  recall.” 

Mrs.  H.  H.  H. 


71 


“ ‘ Naught  of  grief  or  care 
Shall  he  know  now,  nor  ever  burdens  bear; 

For,  far  beyond  the  darkness  was  he  led, 

Until  at  last,  by  Life’s  great  fountain  head. 

He  breathed  the  essence  of  eternal  air 
In  Heaven’s  fields,  in  those  bright  valleys  where 
There  is  no  sorrow,  and  there  are  no  dead; 

Peace,  rest  and  hope,  all  these,  I know  are  his. 

By  the  heavenly  gates. 

Past  the  dark  billows  of  the  unknown  sea. 

Through  all  the  days  to  come,  he  bravely  waits. 

Loving  and  true,  he  waits  to  welcome  thee,’  ” 

C.  C.  F. 


72 


Jijermows. 


I had.  not  thought  I could  make  any  use  of  my  hus- 
band’s sermons,  as  none  of  them  are  completely  written. 
But  while  waiting  for  a few  days,  for  an  expected  paper, 
my  daughter  brought  them  to  me,  to  examine.  I was 
delighted  to  find  that  I could  make  a rather  full  outline 
of  some  of  them.  I said,  “my  husband  shall  preach 
again.”  And  so  these  few  briefs  are  presented,  accom- 
panied by  the  prayer  that  the  Spirit  of  God  may  more 
than  compensate  to  the  reader  what  is  lacking  in  per- 
sonal presence,  and  elucidation  of  thought.  I would  that 
they  might  be  censidered  as  a message  of  comfort,  warn- 
ing or  exhortation,  directly  from  their  author,  with  the 
added  emphasis  which  the  light  of  the  unseen  world 
would  give  them. 


Mark,  xvi : 15-16 ye  into  all  the  iuo7'ld  and  preach  the 
Gospel  to  every  creature;  he  that  believeth  and  is  baptized 
shall  be  saved ^ but  he  that  believeth  not  shall  be  damned P 

COMMAND  of  Christ  comes  with  so  much  emphasis  to 
S 1^  His  people.  This  was  His  last  command.  Words  more 
compact  and  mighty  were  never  uttered.  For  three  years 
He  had  been  teaching  His  followers  how  and  what  to  do. 
He  now  gathers  up  and  embodies  in  one  brief  lesson  the  main 
])oints;  a lesson  which  is  forever  to  be  to  His  church  a compen- 
dium of  both  doctrine  and  duty. 

Then,  too,  the  circumstances  under  which  this  lesson  or  com- 
mand was  given,  gives  great  weight  and  impressiveness;  the 
pains  Christ  took  to  have  all  present — the  repeated  notices 
previously  given  of  that  meeting  in  Galilee,  at  which  He  gave 
the  command.  He  had  threaded  His  way  alone,  only  a few 
followers.  But  He  seemed  intent  upon  having  one  great  meet- 
ing, one  general  gathering.  Before  His  death  He  gave  notice  of 
it  “After  I am  risen,  I will  go  before  you  into  Galilee.”  Then 
on  the  morning  of  His  resurrection,  when  those  women  stood  by 
His  empty  tomb,  two  angels  appeared  to  them  and  gave  them 
this  message:  “He  is  risen,  but  go  tell  His  disciples,  that  He 
goes  before  you  into  Galilee.”  He  gave  notice,  and  now 
reminds  them.  Then  later,  Jesus  himself  meets  them,  and  says: 
“Go,  tell  my  brethren,  that  I go  into  Galilee;  there  shall  they 
meet  me.  ” They  must  have  spread  the  notice,  for  five  hundred 
assembled  in  response  to  it.  The  most  intense  interest  must 
have  been  awakened.  These  repeated  notices  must  have 
awakened  the  highest  expectations  of  what  should  transpire 
there.  All  eyes  were  open,  all  ears  were  listening.  The  com- 
munications of  that  hour,  will  carry  emphasis  and  weight,  such 
as  will  come  from  no  other  hour. 

And  what  is  the  communication  which  He  has  to  make,  and 
for  which  He  called  all  these  together,  many  from  distant  places? 
He  appears  in  their  midst  and  says : “Go  ye  into  all  the  world 
and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature ; He  that  believeth  and 
is  baptized  shall  be  saved,  but  he  that  believeth  not  shall  be 
damned.”  This  is  all.  If  He  said  or  did  anything  beside,  it  is 
not  recorded. 


75 


He  again  repeats  this  command  at  the  moment  of  His  ascen- 
sion, as  His  farewell  words.  The  command  was  first  given  to 
the  five  hundred,  who  represented  all  His  followers;  then  to 
those  who  gathered  around  Him,  and  witnessed  His  ascension. 

Now,  in  the  light  of  these  facts,  can  there  be  any  question  as 
to  the  main  work  of  the  Church,  through  all  time?  Could  in- 
struction be  more  definite,  explicit,  emphatic?  And  there  is  a 
depth  of  meaning  in  every  word.  This  command  was  to  be 
emblazoned  on  every  Christian  banner,  and  sway  every  Christian 
heart.  These  words  are  packed  with  doctrine,  as  well  as  duty. 
The  duty  here  enjoined  is  to  “preach  the  Gospel;”  that  is 
publish  it;  carry  the  joyous  message  to  every  creature.  If  you 
are  to  carry  an  oral  message,  the  first  thing  is  to  understand  the 
message.  Without  it  you  run  in  vain.  Now  what  is  the  message 
that  we  are  commanded  to  carry  to  every  creature?  It  is  called 
the  Gospel.  What  is  the  good  news,  the  message  which  is  for 
every  one?  It  is  this,  that  a Savior  has  been  provided;  that  the 
sentence  of  death  upon  you  has  been  lifted;  that  Jesus  has  died 
in  our  stead,  has  paid  the  debt  we  owe;  that  “God  so  loved  the 
world,  that  He  gave  His  only  begotten  Son  to  die  for  us;”  that 
you  are  out  from  under  the  curse  of  the  law;  that  He  has 
redeemed  you;  that  “He  died  for  your  sins,  and  rose  again 
for  your  justification;”  that  He  has  settled  all  the  claims  that 
the  Father  held  and  all  the  claims  of  law.  The  law  has  no 
claims.  The  Father  has  no  claims.  We  are  only  amenable  to 
Christ.  “The  Father  judgeth  no  man,  but  hath  committed  all 
judgment  to  the  Son.”  He  determines  upon  what  terms  we  may 
be  saved,  and  he  has  made  the  terms  easy,  so  easy  that  all  may 
be  saved.  He  says:  “He  that  believeth  and  is  baptized  shall  be 
saved.” 

But  what  am  I to  believe  in  order  to  be  saved?  Believe 
that  He  died  for  me;  that  he  paid  the  debt  for  me.  “Believe 
the  record  that  God  gave  of  His  Son.”  What  is  the  record? 
“That  God  so  loved  the  world,  that  He  gave  His  only  begotten 
Son  to  die  for  them;”  that  “He  laid  upon  Him  the  iniquities  of 
us  all;”  that  “He  bore  our  sins  in  His  own  body;”  that  “He 
made  Him  to  be  sin  for  us  who  knew  no  sin,  that  we  might  be 
made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  Him.”  Believe  that  “He 
tasted  death  for  every  man;”  that  “He  put  away  sin  by  the 
sacrifice  of  Himself;”  that  “He  gave  Himself  a ransom  for  us;” 
that  “as  by  the  offense  of  one,  judgment  came  upon  all,  so  by 
the  righteousness  of  one,  the  free  gift  is  upon  all;”  that  “as  by 
the  disobedience  of  one  many  were  made  sinners,  so  by  the 
obedience  of  one,  many  are  made  righteous.”  Believe  this 
record;  that  these  are  facts.  Every  one  is  called  upon  to  believe 
that  his  sins  are  canceled;  that  his  sins  are  put  away,  washed 

76 


away,  remitted.  He  is  to  believe  this,  and  then  declare  it  in 
baptism.  He  is  to  express  it  in  this  beautiful  symbol.  Believe 
that  your  sins  are  washed  away,  and  then  go  down  into  the 
water  and  express  it.  Put  the  fact  believed  into  a symbolic 
form.  Believe  that  your  heart  is  sprinkled  from  an  evil  con- 
science, then  let  your  body  be  washed  in  water  to  symbolize  the 
cleansing.  Believe  that  Christ’s  blood  on  the  heart  i as  purified 
it,  then  declare  it.  Symbolize  in  the  outward  what  has  tran- 
spired within.  Believe  that  your  sins  are  remitted,  then  be 
baptized  for  this  remission,  on  the  account  of  it,  for  the  reason 
of  this  remission.  You  believe  that  Christ  died  and  rose  in  your 
stead;  that  you  died  and  rose  with  Him;  now  declare  this  in 
baptism.  Be  buried  with  Him  by  baptism.  Go  down  into  this 
symbolic  death  with  Him,  and  be  raised  with  Him  to  newness 
of  life. 

In  ba])tism  we  declare  in  a figure  that  we  are  saved.  Peter 
says,  by  the  ark  eight  souls  were  saved,  “the  like  figure  where- 
unto  baptism  doth  now  save  us,  not  the  putting  away  of  the 
sins  of  the  flesh,  but  the  answer  of  a good  conscience  before 
God.”  If  we  believe  that  we  are  saved,  conscience  demands 
that  we  confess  it. 

Then  Peter  goes  on  to  say  that  God  has  given  evidence  that 
we  are  saved,  in  that  He  hath  raised  up  Christ  from  the  dead, 
and  put  Him  at  His  right  hand.  We  are  to  believe  that  we  are 
saved  by  the  death  and  resurrection  of  Christ,  and  then  confess 
it  in  baptism.  True,  Christ  did  not  always  put  in  baptism  He 
promised  salvation  to  believers,  but  He  assured  us  that  if  we 
believed,  we  would  obey. 

Then  believing  in  Christ,  is  believing  in  Him  as  a substitute; 
and  believing  in  Christ  as  a substitute  involves  a great  deal. 
It  is  a most  comprehensive  moral  transaction.  It  is  a confes- 
sion of  sin  that  is  most  humiliating;  a recognition  of  helplessness. 
It  is  a recognition  of  God’s  love.  It  is  voluntarily  identifying 
one’s  self  with  Christ.  So  we  can  say  as  Paul  did,  ‘‘it  is  no 
longer  I that  live,  but  Christ  lives  within  me.” 

And  it  takes  away  all  sense  of  condemnation.  “ He  that 
believeth  in  me  is  not  condemned.’’  He  has  no  sense  of  con- 
demnation. He  cannot  have,  for  to  believe  in  Christ  is  to 
believe  that  he  paid  our  debt.  How  feel  a debt  that  is  paid? 
Were  you  owing  at  a bank,  and  one  came  and  said,  “ I have 
paid  your  debt,”  and  after  this  you  feel  that  you  owe — why  this 
feeling?  You  don’t  believe  your  friend  who  says  he  paid  it. 
Unbelief  makes  him  a liar.  So  Paul  says  unbelief  makes  God 
a liar. 

You  see  that  there  can  be  no  condemnation  to  one  who 
believes.  Paul  exultingly  exclaims,  “who  is  he  that  condemnelh? 


77 


It  is  Christ  that  justifies.”  He  points  to  the  cross,  to  the  open 
grave,  then  up  to  the  throne.  See,  he  says,  where  my  substi- 
tute stands.  We  are  in  Christ.  Our  life  is  hid  with  Christ, 
involved  in  Christ’s  life,  as  safe  as  Christ  is. 

“ He  that  belie veth  and  is  baptized  shall  b&  saved.”  We  are 
not  on  trial.  Christ  took  our  place  under  the  law.  The  Father 
accepted  Him  as  our  substitute. 

Faiih  receives  Christ.  Baptism  declares  it  openly.  “As 
many  of  us  as  are  baptized  have  put  on  Christ,”  as  soldiers  put 
on  the  uniform. 

Now  this  is  the  Gospel  we  are  commanded  to  preach  to 
every  creature.  Is  it  not  good  news?  The  good  news,  as  if 
there  were  no  other.  Then  we  are  to  teach  them  to  “observe 
all  things,”  not  old  Testament  commandments,  but  Christ’s 
commandments. 

Then  the  word  preach  is  significant.  It  means  piihlish^  as  a 
herald.  A herald  was  expected  to  leave  all,  and  hasten  and 
publish  in  a full  animated  tone,  so  as  to  be  heard,  so  as  to 
arrest  attention;  to  be  heard  by  as  many  as  possible,  never 
stopping  to  argue.  He  must  proclaim  with  confidence  the  mes- 
sage. Manner  is  almost  everything  in  a herald.  It  must  be 
apparent  to  all  that  he  believes  his  message,  and  that  he  feels 
the  force  of  it.  “We  believe,  therefore  we  speak.”  A timid, 
doubting  herald  is  a failure,  and  especially  one  who  proclaims 
such  a message  as  this:  “he  that  believeth  not  shall  be 
damned.”  He  who  declares  that  unbelief  is  criminal,  must  not 
betray  a weakness  in  faith.  He  will  prove  a failure  if  he  does. 
We  are  to  assume  that  the  message  bears  evidence  of  truth- 
fulness. It  needs  no  confirmation,  or  corroboration,  or  proof. 
No  matter  how  successful  the  argument,  it  destroys  and  takes 
from  the  force  of  the  message.  From  the  nature  of  the  mes- 
sage, it  stands  upon  its  own  authority;  for  the  message  is  that 
“he  that  believeth  not  shall  be  damned.” 

The  apostle  said  that  it  was  by  the  foolishness  of  preaching 
that  men  were  saved.  And  he  says  that  he  preached  the  Word 
with  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity;  that  he  did  not  speak  with 
lieshly  wisdom,  so  that  their  faith  should  not  stand  in  the  wisdom 
of  this  world.  “ My  speech  was  not  with  enticing  words.”  He 
let  the  message  speak  for  itself.  We  are  but  servants  who 
bring  the  message  from  the  King.  Let  the  Message  speak. 
Present  it  as  God’s  message. 

Jesus  said,  “Ye  shall  be  my  witnesses  to  the  uttermost  part 
of  the  earth.”  Witnesses,  not  aitorneys.  Simply  state  facts. 
An  attorney  may  argue,  plead,  display  logic,  eloquence,  learn- 
ing; these  aid  him  in  securing  a verdict,  but  they  are  dispar- 
aging in  a witness.  Simplicity  and  sincerity  give  weight  to  his 

78 


statement.  The  eyes  of  the  court  and  jurors  are  upon  him. 
The  least  display  of  self  disparages  his  testimony.  So  we  stand 
before  men.  Who  have  been  the  successful  ministers  in  all 
ages?  Those  who  have  published  the  message  with  simplicity 
and  confidence,  relying  upon  the  truth  to  convict,  not  upon 
their  logic;  and  this  will  be  the  case.  Then  does  one  ask,  of 
what  avail  is  scholarship,  learning,  and  eloquence?  It  requires 
the  highest,  most  comprehensive  scholarship  to  see  truth  in  all 
its  bearings,  and  to  put  truth  in  its  clearest  and  simplest  forms. 
Christ  can  and  did  employ  uncultured  and  ignorant  men,  but 
when  He  would  have  a master  workman,  to  go  forth  and  plant 
churches  in  the  great  cities  of  Asia  and  Europe,  and  under  the 
inspiration  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  to  mould  and  shape  the  faith  and 
]>ractice  of  the  churches,  through  all  time.  He  selects  a man  of 
highest  culture  and  scholarship,  a man  who  is  above  pedantry. 
Then,  to  learning,  scholarship  is  reckoned  a ])ower.  When  a 
learned  man  speaks,  the  world  listen  and  attach  importance 
to  his  words.  He  is  supposed  to  possess  superior  advantages 
of  knowing  the  truth.  His  words  come  with  all  the  weight  of 
his  reputed  scholarship.  This  gives  him  advantage.  When 
such  a man  preaches  the  Gospel  with  simplicity  and  confidence, 
this  simple  Gospel,  with  a soul  all  on  fire,  as  if  it  were  the 
message^  men  will  listen. 

Scholarship  and  eloquence  are  a ])ower  when  behind  the 
message,  but  they  detract  when  brought  to  the  front.  It  is  not 
true,  or  ought  never  to  be  true,  that  a minister,  whose  culture 
and  habits  of  thought  are  not  much  removed  from  his  hearers, 
should  be  successful.  His  power  and  success  ought  to  be  in 
the  ratio  of  his  culture,  and  will  be  if  he  is  wise  and  does  not 
pervert  education. 

But  again,  mark  the  language  of  the  Commission;  “Go  ye.” 
It  was  addressed  to  500  disciples.  It  was  meant  for  the  Church 
in  all  ages — the  great  work  of  the  Church.  This  was  to  be  the 
characteristic  of  the  Gospel  dispensation.  Isaiah,  looking  down 
the  ages,  saw  Zion,  the  Church  of  God,  transformed  into  a 
vast  body  of  heralds,  shouting  from  mountain  top  to  mountain 
top.  He  heard  voices  saying  “prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord; 
make  straight  in  the  desert  a highway  for  our  God.  Every 
valley  shall  be  exalted,  every  mountain  be  brought  low,  and 
crooked  places  be  made  straight,  and  rough  places  plain,  and 
the  glory  of  the  Lord  shall  be  revealed.” 

The  Old  Dispensation  was  anti-mission:  the  New  is  a 
missionary  dispensation.  The  ancient  Jews  were  not  to  carry 
the  light  to  other  nations,  but  to  retain  it.  The  law  for  them 
was  isolation,  separation;  now  it  is  permeation.  They  had  not 
grace  or  moral  stamina  to  endure  contact  with  idolatry.  God 


79 


had  to  put  a wall  about  them.  They  were  to  drive  out  other 
nations  from  their  midst.  Whoever  from  outside  nations  came 
among  them,  must  be  driven  out,  or  must  adopt  their  religion. 
But  as  soon  as  the  Church  received  power  from  on  high,  they  were 
to  go  to  every  people,  preaching  the  Gospel.  And  when  this 
power  came  at  Pentecost,  observe  the  form  that  the  Holy  Spirit 
assumed.  ‘‘  There  appeared  unto  them  cloven  tongues,  as  of 
fire,  and  sat  on  each  of  them.’^  How  significant!  Tongues  of 
fire;  cloven^  pointing  Heavenward,  sitting  upon  each  of  them. 
They  began  to  speak  immediately ; to  speak  in  all  the  languages 
of  the  multitude  assembled.  And  they  spake  with  tongues  of 
fire.  How  appropriate  and  significant  this  symbol  that  sat  upon 
each  of  them.  How  it  harmonizes  with  the  Commission,  and 
with  His  prophetic  promise,  when  the  Holy  Ghost  is  come  “ye 
shall  be  my  witnesses  to  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth/'  with 
your  tongues,  you  shall  testify  of  me.  How  expressive  those 
tongues  of  fire,  pointing  Heavenward.  Christ  designed  that 
His  church  should  go  on,  publishing  with  tongues  of  fire  this 
life  message. 

This  is  a message  that  angels  are  not  allowed  to  publish. 
Human  beings  alone  are  commissioned  with  it.  And  this 
message  must  be  brought  to  the  ears  of  every  human  being,  or 
he  is  lost.  Though  a man,  a heathen,  be  ever  so  penitent  and 
prayerful,  he  cannot  be  saved  without  the  knowlege  of  Christ. 
Cornelius  may  be  a devout  man  and  fear  God,  and  give  much 
alms,  and  pray,  and  God  may  hear,  but  in  order  to  be  saved, 
some  Peter  must  go  and  preach  Christ  to  him.  An  angel  may 
be  sent  from  God  to  inform  him  where  Peter  is,  and  advise  to 
send  for  him.  But  the  angel  can  not  publish  the  news,  he  can 
not  be  saved  till  he  hears  the  Gospel  from  a man ; till  he  believes 
in  Christ.  Paul  says:  “How  can  he  believe  on  Him  of  whom  he 
has  not  heard,  and  how  hear  without  a preacher,  and  how 
preach  except  they  be  sent.” 

This  responsibility  rests  on  the  Church.  Those  who  can  not 
go  must  send  those  who  can  go.  This  is  the  work  of  the  Church, 
to  see  that  every  human  being  hears  of  Christ.  This  is  to  be 
the  grand  end  and  aim  of  the  Church  in  all  her  plans,  and  in  all 
her  enterprises.  Every  thing  else  is  to  be  subordinate  to  this. 
Every  Christian  should  feel  himself  commissioned  to  this  work. 
Every  Church  should  feel  that  they  are  organized  for  this.  Every 
society  formed  should  have  this  as  its  ultimate  end.  Every 
institution  established  by  charity  should  have  this  as  its  ultimate 
aim.  The  carrying  out  of  this  Commission  should  shape  the 
policy  of  every  Church  enterprise.  This  one  purpose  should 
sway  all  hearts. 


8o 


Our  Lord  and  Master  had  one  definite  object  before  Him; 
it  was  to  provide  salvation.  We  should  have  one  definite  object, 
and  that,  to  carry  the  news  of  this  salvation.  We  are  com- 
missioned in  Christ’s  stead. 

This  is  the  work  that  interests  and  absorbs  Heaven.  “There 
is  joy  in  the  presence  of  the  angels  over  one  sinner  that 
repenteth.” 

And  Jesus  assured  His  people  that  he  would  be  with  them; 
with  every  one  who  is  carrying  out  the  Commission,  down  to  the 
end  of  time.  He  has  been  thus  far,  and  has  prospered  the 
message;  He  will  prosper  it.  Talk  about  missions  being  a 
failure;  the  Church  has  never  had  success  in  any  other  work. 
She  has  succeeded  only  as  animated  by  the  missionary  spirit. 
She  never  will  succeed  without  it.  The  early  Christians  seemed 
in  a degree  to  understand  the  Commission.  They  went  every- 
where preaching  the  Word,  and  in  a few  years  they  came  near 
filling  the  earth  with  the  knowledge  of  Christ.  Then  the  mis- 
sionary spirit  died  out,  and  a long  period  of  darkness  followed. 
Now  the  missionary  spirit  is  beginning  to  revive.  O,  that  it 
might  be  fully  revived. 

How  speedily  would  it  usher  in  the  millenium,  when  none 
would  say  to  his  brother,  “Know  ye  the  J^ord,”  but  “all  should 
know  Him,  from  the  least  unto  the  greatest,”  and  “the  earth  be 
filled  with  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord,  as  the  waters  cover 
the  seas.” 

May  the  Lord  hasten  that  time. 


Genesis,  v:  24:  Enoch  Walked  With  Godd' 


^^ELIGION  is  personal  in  all  senses  of  the  word.  It  brings 
man  personally  into  the  presence  of  a present  God 
The  word  religion  means  rebinds  implying  that  a former 
^ union  has  been  broken.  When  man  was  placed  in  the 
Garden  of  Eden,  he  was  in  harmony  with  his  maker.  They 
communed  together  and  were  of  one  accord.  When  man 
sinned  God  departed  from  him.  He  could  not  abide  with  sin. 
Religion  is  bringing  the  two  together  again — reconciling  them  — 
so  the  Gospel  is  called  “ the  Gospel  of  reconciliation.”  It  is 
no  religion  where  God  is  viewed  as  an  abstraction.  There  is  no 
binding  between  man  and  an  abstraction. 

The  word  implies  personality.  The  object  of  Christ  is  to 
restore  the  relation  between  man  and  God.  He  is  a Mediator, 
a Reconciler.  “All  things  are  of  God,  who  hath  reconciled  us 
to  Himself  through  Christ.”  He  atones  for  sin,  brings  God  and 
man  at  one  again. 

So  many  confound  religion  and  morality.  There  is  not  a 
particle  of  religion  in  morality.  Morality  binds  man  to  man : 
religion  binds  to  God.  Morality  is  living  right  toward  man  : 
religion  is  living  right  toward  God.  A man  may  be  moral  and 
yet  be  an  infidel.  “ The  first  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  love 
the  Lord  thy  God.”  God’s  claim  is  first. 

What  if  a man  walks  in  harmony  with  man,  if  he  refuses  to 
walk  in  harmony  with  God?  He  is  honest  with  man.  He 
appreciates  man.  Religion  is  a rebinding  to  God.  It  is  a doing 
for  God.  God  does  not  promise  rewards  in  the  next  life  for 
morality.  No;  He  teaches  that  it  pays  here  to  be  honest. 

These  Pharaisees  that  claim  salvation  on  account  of  their 
good  deeds,  Jesus  says  to  them — You  have  no  claims  upon 
me.  You  do  not  these  things  out  of  reverence  for  me.  But 
if  you  give  a cup  of  water  in  my  name,  it  shall  have  its 
reward.  If  you  visit  the  sick,  or  one  of  the  least  of  my  children 
religiously,  I will  say  “ come  in,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father.” 
You  may  feed  a hundred  persons,  but  not  in  Christ’s  name. 
If  there  is  any  religion  in  it.  He  will  reward  it. 


82 


Heaven  is  God’s  home.  He  takes  those  there  who  walk 
with  him  here.  How  out  of  place  to  receive  one  into  Heaven 
who  has  never  walked  with  God  here. 

Religion  is  a personal  transaction.  It  is  coming  back  to 
God.  The  first  feeling  of  the  sinner  is,  a sense  of  alienation. 
Then  the  seeking  of  reconciliation,  so  he  can  walk  with  God. 
Enoch  walked  with  God  in  the  dim  flicker  of  the  antedeluvian 
period.  There  always  have  been  some  true  men.  Enoch 
walked  alone,  as  seeing  him  who  is  invisible. 

It  is  a great  thing  to  walk  with  God — to  have  such  an 
Almighty  companion,  the  Builder  of  the  worlds;  He  who 
upholds  all  things;  who  is  saying,  “Fear  not;’’  who  will  make 
‘‘all  things  work  together  for  good;”  who  says,  “Ask  of  me  what- 
soever you  will.”  “Cast  your  care  on  me.”  “I  will  be  a Father 
to  you.”  “As  a father  pitieth  his  children,  so  the  Lord  pitieth 
them  that  fear  Him.”  “ He  enters  into  the  feeling  of  our 
infirmities.  ” 

Infidelity  wants  to  build  up  a wall  of  adamant  out  of  fixed 
laws  to  shut  away  God.  However  solid  and  fixed  the  wall,  it 
cannot  shut  away  God;  no  more  than  window  glass  can  shut 
away  the  light.  It  may  seem  solid  and  fixed,  but  we  see  no 
panes  of  glass.  Yonder  sun  95,000,000  of  miles  away,  sends 
his  myriad  winged  messengers  right  through.  They  never  stop 
on  the  pane  and  ask  permission  to  come  through,  and  we  feel 
the  warmth  and  enjoy  the  light  as  if  nothing  intervened. 

So  God  comes  through  fixed  laws.  He  comes  as  Jesus  came 
into  the  upper  room  to  the  disciples  and  spake  peace  to  them. 
No  bars,  nor  bolts,  nor  walls  can  keep  God  from  one  who  is 
reconciled  to  Him.  He  shall  be  filled  with  His  company. 

It  is  not  necessary  that  our  physical  eye  should  see  Him,  but 
our  spiritual  eye.  “Walk  as  seeing  Him  who  is  invisible.” 
Man  can  get  nearer  to  God  than  to  any  other  being — can  be 
united  to  Him. 

The  soul  was  made  for  God.  “There  is  a spirit  in  man,  and 
the  inspiration  of  the  Almighty  giveth  him  understanding.”  The 
Psalmist  said,  “As  the  hart  panteth  after  the  water-brook,  so 
panteth  my  soul  after  Thee,  O God.”  How  he  grieved  when 
God  forsook  him.  “My  tears  have  been  my  meat,”  he  said. 
“Cast  me  not  away  from  Thy  presence,  take  not  Thy  Spirit 
from  me.” 

What  is  it  to  walk  with  God?  It  is  to  have  Him  so  near 
that  you  can  talk  to  Him,  and  receive  answers;  that  when  you 
lie  down  to  sleep,  you  know  that  He  is  watching  over  you.  It 
is  to  feel  “that  in  Thy  presence  is  fulness  of  joy.”  It  is  to 
recognize  His  superintendence  over  all,  ordering  everything  for 
us.  It  is  coming  into  harmony  with  God.  It  is  having  a most 

83 


obedient  spirit,  allowing  nothing  to  hinder  our  communion 
with  Him.  It  is  shunning  evil.  Never  doing  what  is  question- 
able. Never  going  to  questionable  places.  “Come  ye  out 
from  the  world.”  If  needs  be,  it  is  giving  up  alL  “When  my 
father  and  my  mother  forsake  me,  then  the  Lord  will  take  me 
up.”  “They  that  trust  in  the  Lord  shall  be  as  Mount  Zion.” 

Notice,  ^^Walk  with  God,”  not  j-// with  Him.  By  and  by, 
we  shall  “sit  down  with  Abraham,  Isaac  and  Jacob  in  the  king- 
dom of  God.”  Now,  we  must  keep  moving  on.  We  should 
soon  fall  out  of  company,  were  we  to  sit  still.  “We  are  workers 
together  with  Christ.”  Activity  is  the  law  of  God.  It  is  our 
normal  state.  “Be  ye  doers  of  the  Word.”  Asa  when  entering 
into  battle  prayed,  “We  rest  on  Thee,  and  in  Thy  name  we  go 
against  this  great  company.”  Moses  proposed  to  “stand  still 
and  see  the  salvation  of  the  Lord,”  but  God  said,  “Go  forward.” 
AVe  should  soon  fall  out  of  company  with  God,  if  we  stopped 
moving  on.  There  is  something  in  motion  that  keeps  up 
courage.  Soldiers  are  fearless  when  in  battle,  but  cowardly  in 
camp.  This  is  the  reason  so  many  professors  are  cowards.  A 
cowardly  spirit  comes  over  a church  when  they  are  doing 
nothing. 

Notice  what  became  of  Enoch  in  verse  24.  It  does  not  say 
he  died.  The  Lord  took  him  home.  There  have  been  two  men 
whom  the  Lord  took  to  heaven  without  dying,  Enoch  and 
Elijah.  Both  walked  with  God.  God  sent  a chariot  for  Elijah. 
He  was  seen  to  go  up.  Whether  any  saw  Enoch  when  he  was 
taken,  we  do  not  know. 

What  a grand  termination  to  a godly  life.  Many  a saint  has 
been  almost  translated.  Heaven  comes  down  to  meet  them  as 
they  leave  the  body.  Stephen  saw  heaven  opened  and  Jesus 
standing  there.  Thousands  since  then  have  had  visions  of  the 
other  world  as  they  were  leaving  this.  God  removes  the  curtain 
that  they  may  see.  How  often  the  dying  say,  “I  was  never  so 
happy  as  now.”  “The  Lord  was  never  so  near  to  me.”  The 
soul  is  often  filled  with  rapture  when  departing. 

Let  nothing  come  between  you  and  the  Lord.  Let  no 
friend  separate  you.  Have  to  leave  friends  for  Christ.  Let  no 
interest  rise  before  His.  Be  all  open  to  the  light.  When  you 
read  the  Bible,  ask  “What  is  Thy  will.”  Be  so  easily  influenced 
that  God  can  guide  you  with  His  eye.  A parent  can  guide  a 
loving  child  by  a look.  Be  obedient,  perfectly  obedient.  Take 
no  thought  for  consequences,  simply  obey. 

I hear  some  talk  about  essentials  and  non-essentials.  It 
comes  from  a disloyal  heart.  Perfectly  obedient  children  don’t 
call  anything  commanded  non-essential.  Hundreds  have  said 
“You  don’t  think  baptism  essential  to  salvation  do  you?”  I say 

84 


‘‘Did  not  Jesus  command  it?’’  “Yes;  but  did  He  not  command 
other  than  essentials?”  Such  questioning  shows  a disloyal 
heart.  There  is  no  walking  with  God,  and  trying  to  evade  His 
commands. 

A man  said  to  me,  “ I know  that  Jesus  commands  baptism, 
and  if  I thought  He  would  not  save  me  without  it,  I would  not 
sleep  till  I had  been  baptized.”  Is  such  an  one  walking  with 
God?  There  must  be  perfect  loyalty  to  God,  so  that  if  He 
whispers  a duty,  you  spring  to  it.  If  He  only  points,  you  run 
the  way.  There  is  to  be  no  half  and  half  work.  Two  halves 
don’t  make  a whole  in  obedience.  No  number  of  fractional 
parts  make  an  obedient  act.  He  that  forsakes  all  “shall  receive 
manifold  more  in  this  present  time,  and  in  the  world  to  come, 
life  everlasting.”  Forsake  <2//.  O,  this  walking  with  God.  How 
beautiful  a sight  from  Heaven’s  standpoint.  Walking  in  Heaven’s 
light  toward  Heaven. 

Now  I know  that  you  want  God  to  walk  with  you.  There 
is  an  infinite  difference  in  God  walking  with  you  \ — you  lead,  you 
go  your  way.  Some  are  praying  for  the  company  of  God. 
They  have  been  praying  and  wonder  why  their  prayer  is  not 
answered.  They  are  not  wanting  to  walk  with  God  in  His  way, 
but  that  He  should  walk  with  them  in  their  way. 

The  difference  between  true  and  false  conversion  lies  here: 
false  converts  believe  God  has  come  to  walk  with  them;  true 
converts  beleive  they  have  gone  to  walk  with  God.  Self  pre- 
dominates in  the  false.  Makes  them  happy  to  think  that  God 
has  come  to  them,  is  reconciled  to  them.  You  cannot  tell  by 
their  happiness  what  they  are. 

Ten  thousand  are  praying  for  God’s  coming.  They  mean, 
come  with  me,  and  do  me  good.  They  do  not  forsake  all,  but 
they  put  on  their  best  behavior.  The  error  is  fundamental. 
All  their  life  long  they  are  trying  to  keep  God  in  company  with 
them.  It  is  a saying  “ Never  go  where  you  cannot  ask  the 
Lord  to  go  with  you.”  It  is  a false  maxim.  Go  only  where 
the  Lord  asks  you  to  go.  Walk  with  God.  Keep  in  His  com- 
pany. He  will  take  you  to  His  home  in  Heaven. 


85 


Exodus,  xxxiv:  6-7:  And  the  Lord  passed  by  before  him^  and 

proclaimed : The  Lord^  the  Lord  God,  merciful  and  gracious, 
lo7igsLifferhig,  and  abundant  in  goodness  and  truth,  keepmg 
mercy  for  thousands,  forgiving  iniquity,  transgression  and  sin, 
and  that  will  by  no  means  clear  the  guilty  T 


|.OSES  was  up  in  the  mount  for  the  second  time.  He  had 
been  up,  and  the  people  had  turned  to  idolatry  in  his 
absence.  He  had  seized  the  molten  calf,  burnt  and 
ground  it  to  powder,  and  made  the  people  drink  of  the 
water  upon  which  it  was  strewn.  Moses  had  commanded  that 
the  Levites  should  go  into  the  camp  and  slay,  and  three  thousand 
were  slain. 

Moses  was  called  up  the  second  time,  and  then  God  pro- 
claimed His  character.  The  text  contains  a paradox.  Most 
that  quote  it  would  add  something  explanatory.  Some  would 
say,  it  means  the  very  guilty;  others,  the  impenitent.  But  the 
text  is  true.  Here  is  His  character.  He  is  infinitely  merciful 
and  just.  All  His  graces  are  infinite  and  harmonize.  He  is 
perfect.  So  are  all  His  graces.  If  He  were  more  merciful  or 
had  more  goodness  than  His  other  qualities,  or  if  he  were  more 
just,  or  more  forgiving,  then  He  would  not  be  perfect.  But  how 
reconcile  these  qualities.  He  is  merciful  and  forgiving,  but  will 
by  no  means  clear  the  guilty.  In  heaven  it  is  understood,  not 
on  earth.  Justice  and  mercy  conflict.  But  the  Bible  says:  “He 
is  faithful  and  just  to  forgive.”  Justice  demands  it. 

Court  says,  “Justice  demands  that  you  be  punished  so  and 
so.”  He  may  compromise.  God  cannot.  If  the  court  forgives, 
he  clears  the  guilty.  He  could  not  do  otherwise.  So  when  the 
Governor  pardons,  or  men  forgive  each  other,  they  clear  the 
guilty.  Pardon  does  not  remove  guilt  from  the  soul.  It  clears 
men  in  their  guilt.  God  don’t  clear  men  in  their  guilt.  He 
cannot.  The  text  says : God  forgives  and  will  not  clear 
the  guilty. 

We  say  Christ  died  for  us,  paid  the  debt,  stood  for  us.  A 
father  may  die  for  his  son.  He  is  pardoned.  Before  the  law 


86 


his  son  is  clear.  But  earthly  courts  cannot  get  guilt  away  from 
the  soul.  They  cannot  contrive  a way  to  do  it.  They  may 
contrive  to  make  a criminal  penitent,  still  his  guilt  remains 
on  him. 

Now  God  forgives  and  don’t  clear  the  guilty.  The  sinner 
ceases  to  be  guilty.  So  God  calls  them  children,  holy,  sancti- 
fied. This  is  marvellous.  It  confounds  the  wise.  The  Bible 
solves  the  problem.  God  has  arranged  so  that  a forgiven  sinner 
shall  be  clear  of  guilt,  free  as  an  angel — not  clear  of  sinftd  nature^ 
but  clea7'  of  guUt.  Not  only  before  Heaven,  but  before  con- 
science is  he  clear.  When  a governor  forgives,  the  criminal 
goes  with  his  head  down.  If  all  forgive,  he  cannot  feel  as  if 
innocent.  Now  if  God  forgave  as  a governor  forgives.  Heaven 
would  be  no  Heaven.  Must  I carry  a sense  of  sin  and  con- 
demnation in  Heaven?  Has  God  contrived  so  that  we  forget 
our  sins?  No,  no;  that  would  have  rendered  moral  sensibilities 
obtuse.  He  washes  out  the  stains.  The  Bible  language  is 
remarkable.  “His  blood  cleanseth  from  all  sin.”  “Behold  the 
Lamb  of  God,  who  taketh  away  the  sins  of  the  world.”  “Though 
your  sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  white  as  snow.”  “He  bore 
our  sins  in  His  own  body.”  “God  laid  on  Him  the  iniquities  of 
us  all.”  “By  His  stripes  we  are  healed.”  We  are  whole,  free. 
He  has  taken  away  the  gmlt^  not  simply  the  penalty.  He  took 
the  load  Himself;  He  took  the  blows.  “His  blood  cleanseth 
from  all  sin.”  “As  far  as  the  East  is  from  the  West,  so  far  hath 
He  removed  our  transgressions  from  us.”  “He  hath  blotted 
out  all  our  iniquities.”  He  don’t  forgive  as  a Governor  does. 
He  redeems,  sanctifies,  justifies.  We  are  made  new  creatures, 
born  again.  The  change  is  radical,  so  there  is  no  con- 
demnation. 

Experience  corroborates  this.  When  men  believe,  and  God 
forgives,  they  lose  their  sense  of  guilt.  When  we,  the  vilest,  and 
crushed  with  guilt,  believed  in  Christ  and  were  forgiven,  the 
load  rolled  off.  Now  we  feel  as  free  as  if  we  had  not  sinned. 
Could  go  into  heaven,  as  clear  as  the  angels.  It  is  wonderful, 
but  just  as  the  Bible  teaches.  O,  how  sad,  if  we  had  to  carry  a 
sense  of  guilt  with  us  always.  Wonderful  that  we  can  have  our 
memories,  and  not  a sense  of  guilt.  But  the  Bible  teaches  this, 
and  experience  corroborates  it.  Wonderful  plan;  wonderful 
blood;  wonderful  redemption.  This  is  work  like  God.  What 
confounds  infidels  and  skeptics  is,  that  to  be  in  Christ,  takes 
away  the  sense  of  guilt,  when  we  retain  our  memories;  and  that 
the  Bible  teaches  this,  and  we  state  the  same. 

Now,  the  truth  is,  when  God  made  man.  He  knew  that  he 
would  fall.  He  had  contrived  a remedy  adequate.  God 


87 


fashioned  the  soul,  its  faculties,  laws,  conscience.  He  con- 
structed mind  so  that  when  there  was  sin  there  should  be  a 
sense  of  guilt.  He  was  able  to  remove  the  sense  of  guilt.  He 
had  a right  to  do  this,  as  Creator.  He  had  a right  to  provide  a 
remedy.  He  did  provide  it  He  had  a remedy  in  view  before 
He  made  man.  The  Bible  teaches  this.  He  so  constituted 
mind  that  when  the  guilty  received  Christ,  they  should  be  free 
from  guilt  and  the  sense  of  guilt.  So,  as  soon  as  they  are  par- 
doned, they  are  free.  He  had  a right  to  make  mind  thus.  So, 
as  soon  as  a sinner  believes,  his  soul  rights  itself  up.  There 
is  an  internal  work,  a cleansing,  a purging.  It  is  not  a forensic 
cleansing,  not  a judicial  cleansing.  No  law  of  our  being  is  vio- 
lated; no  law  of  God  is  violated.  ’Tis  a work  above  human 
reason. 

God  pardons  as  a God,  as  a Creator^  as  the  Maker  of  our 
bodies,  and  Former  of  our  spirits.  No  one  but  the  soul’s  Maker 
could  contrive  this  plan,  or  have  a right  to. 

When  men  forgive,  they  let  go  the  penalty.  They  cannot 
enter  the  soul  and  wash  it,  cannot  satisfy  conscience.  But  be- 
fore God  made  the  soul.  He  had  contrived  a plan  for  cleansing 
it.  I don’t  wonder  that  God  sent  an  angel  to  tell  what  name 
to  give  His  Son:  He  shall  be  called  Jesus,  “for  He  shall  save 
His  people  from  their  sins.”  He  saves  wholly. 

We  are  saved,  not  from  the  consequences  of  sin,  but  from  sin. 
He  did  not*bear  the  consequences  of  our  sins,  but  our  sins,  “His 
blood  cleanseth  from  all  sin.”  So  there  is  no  condemnation. 
“We  are  complete  in  Him.”  “He  is  our  righteousness.”  This 
is  the  Gospel.  It  is  no  superficial  work.  God  does  not  clear 
the  guilty.  He  cannot  look  upon  sin  with  the  least  approba- 
tion. He  demands  holiness — O,  the  holiness  of  God!  the  holi- 
ness of  heaven ! 

Sinner,  God  does  not  clear  the  guilty.  He  is  merciful  and 
long-suffering.  He  waits  and  wooes,  and  tries  to  bring  you  to 
the  fountain  for  cleansing — to  the  Lamb,  who  takes  away  sin. 
He  has  provided  a remedy;  but  He  will  by  no  means  clear  the 
guilty.  If  He  could  have  cleared  the  guilty,  He  never  would 
have  given  His  Son,  and  His  Son  would  never  have  endured 
death  for  our  sins.  “There  is  none  other  name  given  among 
men,  whereby  we  must  be  saved.” 

O,  what  a plan  of  salvation,  so  perfect.  Could  men  devise 
it,  or  angels?  God  only. 

God  can  save  and  not  disparage  His  character,  but  glorify  all 
His  perfections.  He  makes  grace  more  conspicuous,  justice  and 
love  more  glorious. 

Who  most  admire  and  reverence  God?  Who  love  and  praise 
Him?  We  see  in  His  works  something  to  awaken  praise;  but 

88 


not  till  we  are  saved  from  sin,  do  our  whole  souls  become  vocal 
with  His  praise. 

O,  this  glorious  plan  ! 

Do  you  wonder  that  Paul  said,  “If  any  man  love  not  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  let  him  be  anathema,  maranatha?” 

Do  you  wonder  that  angels  desire  to  look  into  these  things? 
Yet  some  reject  it. 

God  refill  not  clear  the  guilty. 


Isaiah,  xlviii:  17:  '' I am  the  Lord  thy  God^  which  teacheth  thee 
to  profit^  which  leadeth  thee  by  the  way  that  thou  shouldest  go.  ’’ 


FAIL  to  realize  the  benevolent  design  of  God  in  giv- 
ing us  the  Bible,  and  in  all  its  requirements,  as  if  they 
were  arbitrary,  having  only  His  profit  in  view.  We  are 
likely  to  think  that  God  is  profited  by  our  obedience, 
sacrifice,  prayers;  while  the  fact  is,  as  the  text  affirms,  we  are 
the  ones  who  are  profited.  He  never  asks  us  to  do  anything 
but  for  our  profit.  He  is  not  a Master  exacting  service  from  us, 
regardless  of  our  interests,  but  He  is  a Father.  It  is  all  Fatherly. 
When  He  dashes  a cup  of  pleasure  from  our  lips,  and  says 
“Touch  not,”  He  sees  poison  in  it.  It  is  love  which  would 
keep  us  from  that  which  is  harmful,  as  a loving  Father  guards 
a child.  He  says,  “ Come  out  from  the  world,  that  I may  be  a 
Father  to  you.”  When  He  says,  “Set  not  your  affections  on 
things  of  earth,”  He  is  telling  you  to  put  your  affections  on  things 
that  are  worthy,  on  things  that  are  lasting.  When  he  says,  “Seek 
first  the  kingdom  of  God  and  His  righteousness,”  and  “ Take 
no  thought  for  the  morrow”  what  you  shall  eat  and  drink  and 
wear,  it  is  a rich  Father  directing  you.  He  says,  don’t  worry 
about  the  future,  serve  me,  trust  me,  I will  provide.  When  He 
says,  ‘‘always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,”  it  is  not  that 
He  needs  our  service,  but  it  is  for  our  good  to  do  the  service. 
When  He  says,  “Present  your  bodies  a living  sacrifice  unto  God,” 
it  is  not  that  He  is  benefited  by  the  sacrifice,  but  for  our  bene- 
fit. When  He  says,  “Give,  and  it  shall  be  given  to  you;”  it  is  all 
because  He  wants  to  give.  He  kept  the  Jews  giving  the  first 
and  the  best  of  their  possessions,  so  He  could  bestow  great 
blessings  upon  them,  and  He  did  so  bless  them  when  they 
brought  their  offerings.  It  was  all  for  their  profit.  God  did 
not  need  their  gifts,  they  needed  to  give,  so  that  they  would 
recognize  their  Father,  His  goodness,  and  His  claims  upon  them. 
God  can  do  great  things  for  us,  when  we  recognize  Him  as  the 
giver  of  what  we  possess.  We  soon  forget  His  claims  upon 
us  unless  we  meet  them.  Let  a man  go  on  to  a farm,  or  into  a 
house,  and  live  without  paying  rent,  and  he  will  by  and  by  claim 


90 


it  as  his  own.  God  required  the  Jews  to  give  constantly  for 
their  profit.  He  did  not  need  their  gifts  nor  their  service  He 
required  them  as  a kind,  loving  Father  for  their  good.  He 
wants  us  to  make  the  most  of  ourselves.  When  He  tells  ns  to 
do  for  His  sake,  it  is  that  we  may  have  the  benefit  of  doing  for 
Him.  When  He  hedges  up  our  way,  it  is  to  keep  us  from  des- 
truction. There  is  not  a precept  commanded,  not  a threat 
given,  not  a duty  enjoined,  not  a prohibition,  but  for  our  good. 
When  He  says,  “Search  the  Scriptures  as  for  hid  treasures,”  it  is 
for  our  highest  profit.  When  He  says,  “Pray  always,”  it  is  a 
rich  Father  saying  “I  have  plenty,  and  want  to  give:  come 

ask.”  It  is  as  if  a kind  king  said  to  a beggar,  “ I have  every- 
thing you  need:  come,  ask,  and  I will  give  it  you.”  O,  we 
talk  of  the  duty  of  reading  the  Bible  and  of  prayer,  as  if  there 
were  compulsion  about  it.  How  strange. 

The  text  declares  that  God  is  teaching  us  to  profit.  Jesus 
says,  “Follow  me;”  not  that  He  needs  followers,  but  we  need  a 
Guide.  But  some  say,  “I  suppose  I ought  to  follow  Him.” 
What  if  you  found  a lost  man  in  the  woods  or  on  the  prairie, 
half  starved,  and  you  bade  him  follow  you  to  his  home,  and  he 
should  say,  “I  suppose  that  I ought  to  follow  you.” 

God  never  enjoins  a duty  that  is  not  for  your  profit;  yes,  even 
here,  “Godliness  is  profitable  unto  all  things,  having  the  prom- 
ise of  this  life  and  that  which  is  to  come.”  God  is  teaching  you 
how  to  make  the  most  of  your  time,  of  your  talents,  of  your- 
self. If  there  were  no  future,  it  is  profitable  to  obey  Him.  We 
are  down  in  a horrible  pit.  He  puts  a ladder  down  for  our 
escape.  True,  it  lands  us  in  heaven;  but  if  it  did  not,  it  is  bet- 
ter to  be  out  of  the  pit.  If  a Christian  found  himself  no  better 
off  as  to  another  world,  he  is  better  off  in  this.  If  religion  is  the 
only  antidote  to  sin,  it  is  better  to  possess  it,  if  only  for  this 
life.  “Her  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness.”  It  is  a “highway.” 

And  the  strictness  of  rules  for  us  are  kind.  We  poor  erring 
creatures  would  destroy  ourselves  if  we  had  our  liberty.  We 
will  thank  God  for  these  shalls.  He  takes  off  responsibility  from 
us.  A captain  feels  relief  when  he  turns  over  his  ship  to  the 
pilot. 

We  have  simply  to  obey  orders,  as  soldiers  obey  their  com- 
manders. The  terms  are  kind:  “Except  a man  forsake  all  that 
he  hath,  he  cannot  be  my  disciple.”  Those  are  kind  terms; 
they  are  necessary.  Surrender  yourself  to  be  led — then  God 
will  lead  you.  Subordinate  your  wills,  your  judgment,  your  all 
to  Him.  We  have  an  all-wise  Leader.  “He  leadeth  by  the  way 
that  we  should  go.”  God’s  people  do  not  always  see  it. 
Joseph,  Daniel,  and  the  three  Hebrews  were  tried,  but  God  was 
leading  them  in  the  best  way.  All  responsibility  is  off  from  us. 


91 


Please  your  Father.  This  is  the  truth  taught  in  Christ’s  ser- 
mon on  the  mount.  When  you  give,  or  fast,  or  pray,  or  what- 
ever you  do,  do  all  to  please  your  Father.  Just  keep  your  eye 
single  to  please  Him.  Take  no  thought  about  eating  or  what 
you  shall  wear.  Just  let  your  request  be  known  to  God.  “Be 
careful  for  nothing  ” God  wants  to  keep  your  feet  clear  up  on 
the  highway.  He  wants  to  let  you  ride  on  high  places,  and  give 
you  honey  from  the  rocks  and  milk  and  butter,  and  the  finest 
of  the  wheat. 

He  wants  to  treat  you  as  princes.  “I  beseech  you,  there- 
fore, by  the  mercies  of  God,  that  ye  present  your  bodies  a liv- 
ing sacrifice — and  be  not  conformed  to  this  world,  but  trans- 
formed-—that  ye  may  prove  what  is  that  good^  and  acceptable  and 
perfect  will  of  GodP  God  wants  to  shew  His  good  will.  O, 
such  a loving  Father! 

He  never  asks  you  to  do  aught  that  is  not  for  your  profit. 
To  go  around  duty  is  to  go  around  a blessing. 

Does  any  one  ask  how  we  may  know  duty?  Some  are  so 
plain,  you  have  only  to  open  your  Bibles  and  read,  and  it  would 
be  an  insult  to  ask  man  or  God,  what  was  meant.  If  one  sins, 
he  is  to  confess  it,  to  come  out  from  the  world,  to  unite  with  the 
Church,  to  be  baptized.  To  inquire  what  Jesus  means  by  “ be 

baptized To  pretend  you  do  not  know  whether  John 

Baptist  just  moistened  his  fingers,  or  went  down  into  the 

river . Some  duties  are  settled — we  have  only  to  open 

the  Bible  to  ascertain  them — but  there  are  others  we  are  to 
inquire  about.  “Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord,  and  He  shall 
bring  it  to  pass.”  “Acknowledge  Him  in  all  thy  ways,  and  He 
will  direct  thy  steps.”  “If  any  man  lack  wisdom  let  him  ask  of 
God,  who  giveth  to  all  men  liberally  and  upbraideth  not.”  Be 
honest  in  asking  direction.  When  convinced  what  is  right, 
follow  your  convictions.  Some  consult  the  Lord  as  Balaam  did, 
determined  to  go  their  own  way.  Don’t  ask  unless  you  are 
willing  to  follow  His  guidance. 

Now,  brethren,  I want  you  to  believe  the  text:  “I  am  the 
Lord  thy  God  which  teacheth  thee  to  profit.”  Recognize  God 
as  a loving  Father,  and  when  He  says,  pray,  come  ask;  He  has 
something  to  give.  When  He  says,  “Search  the  Scriptures,” 
search  diligently.  He  has  deposited  treasures  there  for  you  to 
obtain.  He  has  given  it  to  be  a “ lamp  to  your  feet,  a light  to 
your  path.”  When  He  says,  thou  shalt  do  no  work  on  the 
Sabbath,  nor  thy  beast;  He  is  providing  rest  for  you — giving  the 
time  needed  for  your  soul.  When  He  says,  “Forsake  not  the 
assembling  of  yourselves  together,”  He  is  teaching  thee  to  profit. 
He  says,  you  can’t  afford  it.  You  cannot  afford  to  be  so  occu- 
pied with  secular  business  as  to  forsake  the  meetings  of  the 


92 


brethren.  Time  spent  in  religion  is  time  spent  to  profit.  Time 
spent  in  the  closet,  in  family  prayer,  and  in  social  prayer,  is  time 
spent  to  profit. 

Money  giving  is  profitable.  “It  is  more  blessed  to  give  than 
to  receive.”  “Giving  to  the  poor  is  lending  to  the  Lord.  He 
will  repay  again.”  Then  you  are  at  once  benefited.  Give  the 
]ioor  man  a coat,  or  give  him  bread,  you  are  blessed  in  the  act. 
“The  poor  ye  have  with  you  always.”  We  need  while  gathering 
in  from  men  with  one  hand,  to  give  out  with  the  other.  Giving 
to  benefit  others,  we  benefit  ourselves.  Who  enjoys  money? 
The  miser  who  hordes  it  up?  He  is  the  miserable  man. 

Some  think  if  the  Church  had  a fund  to  draw  upon  for  the 
support  of  their  poor,  it  would  be  better  than  collections,  but 
this  would  rob  you  of  a blessing.  God  could  provide  for  the 
poor  without  us,  and  for  the  churches,  but  He  has  given  that 
work  to  us.  Let  us  co-operate.  Giving  is  enjoined  upon  us. 
Others  might  as  well  do  our  praying,  as  do  our  giving. 


93 


John,  iii : 7:  '‘'‘Marvel  not  that  I said  unto  thee^  Ye  7nust  be  born 
again  Y 


RULER,  Nicodemus,  came  to  Christ  for  instruction;  not 
openly,  but  by  night.  He  immediately  acknowledges 
Christ  as  teacher,  and  Jesus  begins  to  enlighten  him.  He 
states  plainly  to  him,  “Except  a man  be  born  again,  he 
cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God.”  Nicodemus  marveled.  He 
could  not  understand  the  new  birth.  Jesus  said,  “Except  a 
man  be  born  of  water  and  of  the  Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  into  the 
kingdom  of  God.” 

Water  is  a symbol  of  cleansing.  When  baptized,  we  declare 
we  have  been  cleansed  from  sin.  Baptism  symbolizes  a change 
of  heart.  A washing  away  of  sin.  A resurrection,  “Buried  with 
Christ  in  baptism  and  risen  again.”  The  heart  is  first  cleansed, 
then  the  body  is  washed,  as  a symbol  of  the  cleansing. 

Nicodemus  knew  about  baptism,  but  the  new  birth  was  a 
strange  doctrine.  Jesus  says  it  is  a necessity.  “Except  a man 
be  born  again,  he  camiot  see  the  kingdom  of  God.”  It  is  not — 
he  shall  not,  but  he  cannot.  He  has  no  eyes  for  seeing  it.  Lead 
a blind  man  out  into  a city;  he  cannot  see  the  stately  edifices 
and  the  elegant  mansions.  They  are  as  nothing  to  him  Lead 
him  into  an  art  gallery;  he  cannot  see  the  works  of  art.  Lead  a 
deaf  man  into  an  orchestra;  he  cannot  hear  the  beautiful  music. 

Fish  cannot  live  as  birds;  their  element  is  water.  They 
would  die  if  brought  into  the  air.  So  the  sinner  could  not 
live  in  heaven.  The  atmosphere  of  heaven  is  not  his  element. 
He  don’t  enjoy  religious  people  if  near  him.  He  does  not 
enjoy  religion  in  wife,  children,  or  neighbors.  Does  not  enjoy 
the  prayer  meeting,  or  religious  talk.  How  can  he  endure 
heaven?  God  says,  “Ye  must  be  born  again,’’  in  order  to 
enter  heaven.  Except  you  are,  you  cannot  see  it;  would  have 
no  appreciation  of  it. 

There  are  two  states  of  existence,  two  lives — the  fleshly  and 
the  spiritual.  They  are  opposed  to  each  other.  “That  which 
is  born  of  the  flesh  is  flesh,  and  that  which  is  born  of  the  Spirit 
is  spirit.”  A child  resembles  his  parent,  partakes  of  the  same 


94 


nature.  “All  flesh  has  corrupted  its  way  on  the  earth.”  All 
who  are  born  of  flesh  are  sinful.  They  must  be  regenerated  all 
through.  Must  be  born  of  the  Spirit. 

The  flesh-born  life  is  earthly.  The  Spirit-born  life  is 
heavenly.  “The  natural  man  receiveth  not  the  things  of  the 
Spirit  of  God,  neither  can  he  know  them.”  The  carnal  mind  is  ac 
enmity  with  God,  cannot  please  God,  or  be  pleased  with  God. 
Christ’s  coming  to  earth  shows  the  enmity  of  the  natural  man  to 
God.  They  hated  Him,  and  put  Him  to  death.  You,  who  are 
unregenerate,  may  think  you  have  not  the  same  spirit,  but  you 
are  worse  than  they.  They  had  not  one  half  the  evidence  con- 
cerning Christ  that  you  have.  You  assent  to  His  divinity.  O, 
to  treat  with  indifference  such  a Being  with  all  your  knowledge, 
is  worse  than  the  treatment  the  Jews  gave  Him. 

There  is  but  one  way  of  saving  man,  regenerate  him. 
Putting  him  in  heaven,  does  not  save  him;  but  putting  the 
Spirit  of  Heaven  into  the  man.  He  must  be  born  of  the  S])irit 
of  God.  He  must  become  a child;  must  say,  Abba,  Father. 
Have  you  that  spirit  of  heaven  within  you,  that  new  birth? 
Nature  can  only  be  implanted  by  birth.  You  may  act  child- 
like, that  does  not  make  you  a child.  You  may  know  the  rules 
of  the  royal  prince,  that  does  not  make  you  a prince.  You 
must  be  born  a child.  Man  says — walk  as  a son,  and  by  and 
by  you  will  be  a son.  God’s  order  is,  become  a son,  then  walk 
as  a son. 

Nicodemus  paid  a most  beautiful  compliment  to  Christ. 
“We  know  Thou  art  a teacher  come  from  God.”  Jesus  said, 
“Verily,  verily,  I say  unto  thee,  (you  may  compliment,  but)  ye 
must  be  born  again.”  That  which  is  born  of  the  flesh  is  flesh. 
Human  nature  is  the  same.  Culture  it;  it  is  still  human  nature. 
Water  never  rises  above  its  source.  Thorns  do  not  produce 
grapes,  nor  thistles  figs,  nor  does  a bitter  fountain  send  forth 
sweet  water.  The  nature  must  be  changed;  must  have  a 
capacity  for  spiritual  things.  If  a man  is  born  blind,  he  cannot 
enjoy  light  nor  colors.  He  cannot  discover  any  beauty  in  them. 

A man  may  know  as  much  as  Nicodemus  of  the  doctrines  of 
the  Bible;  he  may  reverence  sacred  things,  but  he  ^'must  be  born 
again''  This  is  the  condition  of  salvation.  It  may  be  called 
by  different  names.  Baptism  symbolizes  it. 

Before  you  can  see  heaven  you  must  have  an  eye  to  see  it; 
a spiritual  eye.  Before  I became  a son,  I could  only  appreciate 
earthly  things.  Could  not  be  a partaker  of  the  heavenly.  There 
are  but  two  families — two  natures. 

It  is  sad  to  think  how  many,  religiously  brought  up,  are 
going  to  fail  of  heaven;  are  going  to  have  their  place  with 
murderers,  with  the  vile,  with  outcasts. 


95 


The  change  is  a mysterious  one.  “The  wind  bloweth  where 
it  listeth,  and  thou  hearest  the  sound  thereof,  but  cannot  tell 
whence  it  cometh,  and  whither  it  goeth;  so  is  every  one  that  is 
born  of  the  Spirit.”  Man  has  a new  eye,  a new  heart.  “Old 
things  are  passed  away,  all  things  are  become  new.”  “Whereas 
1 was  blind,  now  I see.” 

But  what  must  the  sinner  do  to  have  this  change?  Look  to 
Jesus.  “As  Moses  lifted  up  the  serpent  in  the  wilderness,  even 
so  must  the  Son  of  Man  be  lifted  up;  that  whosoever  belie veth 
in  Him  should  not  perish,  but  have  eternal  life.”  “He  that 
believeth  on  the  Son,  hath  everlasting  life.”  Ask  the  millions 
who  have  experienced  the  change. 

Looking  to  the  cross  softens  the  heart;  subdues  it.  The 
cross  has  the  greatest  moral  power.  Then  the  Spirit  convicts  of 
sin.  Man  then  wants  a new  heart,  a new  nature.  He  wants 
not  heaven  so  much  as  the  fitness  for  heaven. 

When  the  sinner  dies,  he  often  cries  to  God  to  save  him. 
But  he  wants  heaven,  not  holiness.  Like  an  arrested  criminal, 
he  wants  to  escape  punishment. 

Now,  the  question  is,  “Have  I this  new  heart?”  If  an  angel 
were  to  come  in  here,  and  point  out  those  who  were  born  again, 
would  he  include  me?  If  I die  this  night,  who  will  claim 
me?  You  will  die.  Would  you  be  prepared?  “ Ye  must  be 
born  again  ” 

O,  that  I could  write  on  every  heart,  on  the  walls  of  your 
bed  chamber,  over  every  door,  in  flaming  characters  on  the 
heavens,  ‘‘Except  a man  be  born  again,  he  cannot  see  the  king- 
dom of  God.”  He  never  can  see  it. 

This  change  must  take  place  soon,  if  ever.  Can  you  trifle 
with  it? 

How  can  you  escape  if  you  neglect  it?  I warn  prepare. 

My  skirts  shall  be  free. 


96 


II  Timothy,  2:4:  No  man  that  luarreth  e?itangleth  himself 

with  the  affairs  of  this  life;  that  he  may  please  Him  who  hath 
chosen  him  to  be  a soldier,'^ 


»^HE  Bible  does  not  read  like  any  other  book.  Its  style  is 
inimitable.  It  cannot  be  counterfeited.  It  cannot  be 
i added  to.  Skillful  geniuses  have  tried  to  imitate  its  style, 
but  the  bungling  hand  was  apparent  and  betrayed  the 
designer. 

When  God  speaks.  He  speaks  to  the  eye,  to  the  ear,  to  the 
heart,  to  the  soul,  to  the  whole  man.  He  speaks  in  the  most 
telling  manner.  It  comes  with  an  illustration  so  apt,  so  forcible, 
so  startling.  Truth  flashes  with  something  of.  the  vividness  of 
lightning.  It  is  well  that  it  should  be  so;  we  are  so  dead,  it 
would  not  impress  us  otherwise.  It  is  most  difficult  to  lodge 
religious  truth  in  the  heart. 

The  Bible  would  be  read  much  less,  were  it  not  for  its  vivid 
imagery.  It  is  like  “apples  of  gold,  in  pictures  of  silver.” 
Every  vocation  is  put  under  tribute,  to  help  convey  religious 
truth.  In  the  text,  military  life  is  seized  upon.  The  Christian 
is  likened  to  a soldier.  It  is  a wonderful  parallel.  The  Chris- 
tian life  is  a warfare.  It  is  aggressive  and  defensive.  Paul  says, 
“Put  ye  on  the  whole  armour  of  God;”  “Fight  the  good  fight 
of  faith;”  “Be  steadfast;”  “Endure  as  good  soldiers;”  “Stand 
fast,  quit  you  like  men,  be  strong.”  Paul,  dying,  shouts,  “I 
have  fought  the  good  fight.” 

Now  the  text  enjoins  upon  us, — do  not  allow  business  to 
interfere  with  your  vocation,  as  a soldier  of  Jesus.  A true 
soldier  seeks  to  please  his  commander.  It  is  the  one  idea  of 
his  life.  He  is  identified  with  him;  bound  up  in  him;  lost  in 
him;  his  will  controls  him,  as  the  machine  is  controlled  by  the 
mind  which  employs  it.  This  is  the  highest  perfection  of  the 
soldier.  He  must  go  as  the  cannon  ball;  you  may  send  them 
with  deadly  force  upon  the  enemy,  or  you  may  wheel  them 
as  trucks. 

» When  w^e  hear  that  an  army  is  demoralized,  we  know^  that  its 
soldiers  are  disobedient,  cow^ardly,  and  of  no  use  in  the  fight. 


97 


No  discipline  is  so  rigid  as  army  discipline.  It  is  a necessity. 
All  concede  it.  The  general  must  have  perfect  control.  The 
soldier  cuts  himself  loose  from  his  own  affairs.  He  does  not 
entangle  himself  with  them.  His  own  interests  never  come 
into  account.  He  leaves  father,  wife,  children,  farm,  store;  he 
is  dead  to  them  all.  He  listens  only  to  his  commander. 

Such  are  Christ’s  terms:  “Except  a man  forsake  father  and 
mother,  wife  and  children,  houses  and  lands,  he  cannot  be  my 
disciple;”  “He  that  loveth  father  or  mother  more  than  me  is 
not  worthy  of  me;”  “Except  a man  hate  father  and  mother, 
wife  and  children,  yea  and  his  own  life  also,  he  cannot  be  my 
disciple.”  One  said,  I will  enlist  if  I can  go  home  first,  and 
bid  farewell  to  my  family.  Jesus  answered  him,  “No  man 
having  put  his  hand  to  the  plow  and  looking  back,  is  fit  for  the 
kingdom  of  God.”  Another  said,  I will  follow  thee  if  I can 
go  first  and  bury  my  father.  Jesus  said  to  him,  “Follow  me, 
and  let  the  dead  bury  their  dead.” 

When  our  Governor  called  for  soldiers,  in  the  late  rebellion, 
thousands  dropped  all  to  enlist  in  the  army.  They  identified 
themselves  wdth  the  cause  and  with  their  commander.  They 
were  the  right  kind  of  soldiers.  They  left  all  for  the  soldier 
life.  Half  way  service  don’t  do  in  a soldier.  It  invites  defeat. 
“I  would  ye  were  cold  or  hot,”  said  Jesus.  Better  lay  off  the 
uniform,  than  wear  it  and  be  half  hearted.  “Why  halt  ye 
between  two  opinions?  If  the  Lord  be  God,  serve  Him;  if  Baal, 
serve  Him.”  ‘Tf  it  seem  evil  to  yon  to  serve  the  Lord,  choose 
ye  this  day  whom  ye  will  serve.  ” Cut  yourself  loose  from  the 
affairs  of  this  life.  No  true  soldier  will  be  entangled  with  them. 
He  is  not  carrying  on  business  and  serving  as  a soldier  at  the 
same  time. 

Paul  said,  “One  thing  I do.”  So  should  every  Christian  say. 
Jesus  charged  his  disciples,  “Take  no  thought  what  ye  shall  eat 
or  wear,  seek  first  the  kingdom  of  God  and  His  righteousness, 
and  all  these  things  shall  be  added  to  you.”  No  other  General 
makes  such  an  offer  as  this.  They  demand  the  single  aim, 
renunciation. 

How  much  better  to  be  a soldier  of  Christ,  than  of  any 
other  leader.  He  is  able  to  fulfill  all  that  he  promises. 
He  does  fulfill.  He  never  gives  unwise  orders.  He  never 
blunders;  earthly  captains  do.  He  guarantees  victory.  He 
goes  before  His  soldiers  in  the  battle.  “The  gates  of  hell  shall 
not  prevail  against  him.”  He  has  provided  an  armour  of 
defense  which  has  never  been  penetrated;  a sword  with  two 
edges  which  never  fails  in  combat.  And  he  is  near  enough  to 
help  when  the  battle  is  severe.  He  promises,  ‘T  will  help  you.” 


98 


All  the  hosts  of  Heaven  are  allied  under  Christ.  Paul  calls 
it  a “good  fight.”  It  is,  but  it  is  difficult  to  make  all  to  see  it. 
Military  life  does  not  wear  an  attractive  look.  It  is  not  inviting. 
We  have  associated  it  with  hardship,  trials,  denials,  camping, 
forced  marches,  wet  or  cold,  but  there  is  grandeur  in  it  seen 
only  by  soldiers. 

In  Paul’s  time,  nearly  all  were  familiar  with  the  soldier’s  life. 
It  did  not  belittle  a man  to  be  a soldier,  to  lose  self  in  the 
soldier,  to  lose  all  rights  to  move,  except  as  he  was  bidden. 
There  was  nothing  slavish  about  it.  To  be  able  to  surrender 
self,  to  give  up  home,  friends,  lands;  to  subordinate  all,  was  not 
slavish.  To  take  what  comes,  without  a murmur,  to  put  soul 
into  it  all;  if  his  body  is  rolled  into  a ditch,  or  is  trampled  on, 
no  matter.  It  is  the  cause  that  absorbs  him;  the  commander 
whom  he  is  to  please.  There  is  something  grand  about  such  a life. 

But  what  so  grand  as  to  put  one’s  self  under  the  leadership 
of  Christ — wholly  under  Him,  asking  no  question  but  what  are 
the  orders.  If  they  are  for  him  to  march  through  fire,  if  to 
scale  heights,  or  to  rush  upon  battalions,  he  has  only  to  obey. 
No  self  is  to  be  thought  of.  Did  the  world  ever  witness  a 
grander  sight  than  Paul,  pressing  his  way  through  persecution, 
shipwreck  and  all  perils,  under  his  great  leader?  What  Sunday- 
school  teacher  that  is  not  stirred  to  enthusiasm  by  his  life? 
“For  me  to  live  is  Christ,”  he  says.  He  made  ]3risons  vocal 
with  praise.  “I  am  not  my  own,”  he  declares.  His  enemies 
could  not  understand  him.  He  spake  with  such  enthusiasm, 
they  said  he  was  mad.  He  moved  as  if  he  belonged  to  a 
conquering  army,  amid  eclat  and  shouts  of  victory.  When 
enemies  seized  the  old  man  and  chained  him,  does  he  pine  for 
freedom?  He  shouts  as  he  starts  to  the  block,  “I  have  fought 
a good  fight.” 

O,  to  be  a soldier  under  such  a Leader.  Paul  was  not 
entangled  with  the  affairs  of  this  life.  His  motto  was,  “If  I may 
please  Christ.”  ‘Tf  I may  apprehend  that  for  which  I am  appre- 
hended.” This  was  the  only  thing  that  concerned  him.  Self 
was  out  of  the  question.  Self  was  dead. 

How  grand  and  glorious  is  such  a life.  Not  even  asking,  will 
I be  happier,  or  will  it  be  better  for  me.  One  question  only, 
will  it  please  Christ.  It  is  said  Napoleon’s  body  guard  would 
die  for  him.  An  approving  word  was  more  cherished  than 
aught  else.  Thousands  and  tens  of  thousands  have  followed 
Christ  thus,  and  now,  could  you  see  all,  you  would  see  a host 
of  devoted  followers.  It  is  not  only  missionaries  that  are  faithful 
soldiers,  but  thousands  toiling  in  obscurity.  Some  are  persecuted 
by  husbands  or  by  parents,  and  endure  manfully.  This  spirit 


99 


has  not  left  the  earth,  though  very  many  who  profess  to  be  soldiers, 
know  nothing  of  it. 

O,  how  many  want  Christ  to  please  them,  to  make  them 
happy,  to  prosper  them,  to  give  them  friends,  health,  life,  com- 
forts ! This  is  what  they  pray  for,  think  of,  talk  of.  They  have 
no  higher  ideas  of  discipleship.  They  want  their  heaven  now, 
and  all  the  way.  Their  one  idea  is.  Master,  try  and  please  me; 
give  me  all  worldly  pleasures,  all  good  things.  Let  me  live  in  a 
garden  of  roses;  let  me  sleep  on  downy  pillows;  keep  angels 
guarding  me;  keep  away  calamities  from  me;  then  I will  praise 
Thee.  Let  earth  and  heaven  contribute  to  me.  Then,  Lord, 
in  the  day  of  judgment,  I will  say,  “Well  done.  Lord,  good  and 
faithful.”  “Then  I will  praise  thee.”  Multitudes  have  every- 
thing reversed.  All  their  ideas  are  changed  about.  Could  you 
hear  more  prayers  that  are  offered,  you  would  not  hear,  “How 
can  I please  thee,’’  but  “Lord  please  me;”  not  “What  can  I do 
for  thee,”  but  “Lord,  do  for  me.” 

There  are  these  two  classes.  One  is  trying  to  please  Christ, 
and  say,  “Savior,  I own  thy  right  to  every  service  I can  pay.” 
“What  is  my  being,  but  for  thee.”  The  other  class  like  to  think 
of  Christ  serving  them.  The  souls  of  one  class  are  keyed  up  to 
the  music  of  heaven.  The  other  is  still  on  earth,  and  keyed  to 
its  music.  There  is  heavenly  symphony  in  the  utterances  of 
one.  The  other  is  only  the  phonics  of  earth.  O,  the 
difference ! 

To  be  swayed  by  love;  nothing  makes  one  so  heroic.  Man 
is  more  than  a man  then.  His  own  life  is  lost  in  that  of  his 
leader.  Paul  was  a mystery.  They  said  he  was  beside  himself. 
He  was  constrained  by  love.  “For  we  judge  that  Christ  died 
for  all,  that  they  which  live  should  not  henceforth  live  unto 
themselves,  but  unto  Him  which  died  for  them  and  rose  again.” 

Some  go  dragging  self  to  service;  others  go  bounding  to  it. 
Self  is  dead  with  them.  No  matter  what  trials  come.  They 
take  pleasure  in  stripes;  take  it  as  an  honor  to  bear  them; 
a privilege. 

David  was  thirsty,  and  longed  for  water  from  the  wells  of 
Bethlehem.  Three  soldiers  cut  through  the  foe,  and  brought 
him  the  water.  They  were  insensible  to  danger  in  their  devotion 
to  him. 

This  loving  service  gives  a celestial  impassivity.  Paul  would 
never  have  mentioned  the  troubles  he  had  experienced,  the 
whippings,  etc.,  had  they  not  compelled  him.  So  little  did  he 
think  of  them. 

See  what  a soldier  will  endure.  He  will  fall  on  the  field  and 
say,  “Don’t  mind  me.”  Will  raise  up  on  his  elbows  to  watch 
the  battle.  Then  he  will  submit  to  surgery,  will  give  up  a limb 


I(X) 


without  complaint.  So  the  Christian  is  toned  up  to  endure 
hardship  for  Christ’s  sake.  When  the  soldier  enlisted  he  put  self 
into  his  enlistment  and  life.  So  does  the  Christian. 

The  soldier  don’t  surrender  his  manhood,  he  takes  on  man- 
hood. So  with  the  Christian.  O,  to  be  a Christian  soldier, 
under  such  a Leader,  with  such  a cause  to  fight  for,  and  such 
motives  for  devotion.  Now,  1 beg  of  you,  put  self  wholly  on 
the  Lord’s  side.  Cut  loose  from  the  world.  Let  the  one 
motive  be  to  please  Christ.  Don’t  say  this  is  a hard  life  to  live. 
No,  no;  every  other  life  is  hard;  every  other  life  is  a failure. 

The  great  day  for  military  review  is  coming.  We  shall  be 
there.  On  the  4th  of  July,  there  used  to  be  held  reviews.  I 
have  seen  what  some  of  you  never  saw,  or  will  see.  A few  old 
Revolutionary  soldiers,  with  tottering  steps,  would  head  the 
procession.  Then  they  would  be  seated  on  the  rostrum  with 
the  speakers.  As  the  speaker  rehearsed  the  battles  of  the 
Revolution,  and  pointed  to  the  scarred  veterans,  how  their  eyes 
would  flash.  How  proud  they  were. 

A grander  review  is  coming.  If  we  shall  stand  with  our 
Captain,  all  scarred  from  the  battle  field,  will  not  our  eyes 
kindle  with  happiness,  as  our  Captain  recognizes  us  and 
our  service? 

Be  not  entangled  with  the  affairs  of  this  life.  Please  your 
Captain.  Put  your  soul  into  this  fight.  Identify  yourself  with 
the  cause.  O,  it  is  such  an  honor  to  be  in  such  a war,  with  such 
a Captain,  and  with  such  allies. 

These  weak,  indifferent  professors  that  want  ease,  pleasures, 
amusements,  follies,  will  be  ashamed  by  and  by.  Asking  how 
many  pleasures  can  I have?  Can  I dance?  Can  I go  to  balls? 
Can  I frolic  with  the  godless  world?  What  low  ideas  of  their 
calling.  How  can  you  claim  to  be  Christ’s,  who  thus  hanker 
for  worldly  pleasures? 

It  makes  me  sad  to  see  how  some  live  and  yet  expect 
heaven.  They  expect  Jesus  will  say  to  them,  “Well  done,” 
when  they  meet  Him.  It  would  be  false. 

Be  on  one  side  or  the  other.  If  Christ’s,  seek  to  please  Him. 


lOI 


CoLOSSiANS,  iii:  3-4:  ''Ye  are  dead,  and  your  life  is  hid  with 
Christ  in  God,  When  Christ,  7uho  is  our  life,  shall  appear, 
then  shall  ye  also  appear  with  him  in  glory,  ” 

tHE  Scriptures  often  represent  us  as  “crucified  with  Christ,’" 
when  in  Christ.  I was  formerly  perplexed  to  know  why 
^ we  were  so  often  represented  as  dead,  crucified,  and  there- 
fore  the  law  had  no  more  claims  upon  us.  Now,  what  is 
the  penalty  of  sin?  Death.  “The  soul  that  sinneth  it  shall  die.” 
There  is  but  one  plea  then  that  can  be  made,  that  will  exempt 
from  the  penalty.  If  I can  say,  “I  am  dead,”  I am  free.  The 
law  has  no  more  claim  upon  me.  No  other  plea  avails.  That 
is  our  plea.  A dead  man  is  free  from  the  law.  We  are  dead 
with  Christ,  identified  with  Him.  “But  now  we  are  delivered 
from  the  law,  that  being  dead  wherein  we  were  held.”  “How 
shall  we  that  are  dead  to  sin,  live  any  longer  therein?  Know 
ye  not  that  so  many  of  us  as  were  baptized  into  Jesus  Christ, 
were  baptized  into  His  death?  Therefore  we  are  buried  with 
Him  by  baptism  into  death : that  like  as  Christ  was  raised  up 
from  the  dead  by  the  glory  of  the  Father,  even  so  we  also 
should  walk  in  newness  of  life.  For  if  we  have  been  planted 
together  in  the  likeness  of  His  death,  we  shall  be  also  in  the  like- 
ness of  His  resurrection.”  This  is  what  we  declare  in  baptism. 
We  are  passed  beyond  death,  on  the  resurrection  side. 

You  see  the  meaning  of  the  text.  “Ye  are  dead,  etc.” 
Your  life  is  identified  with  Christ’s  life.  But  there  is  meaning  in 
the  word  “hid,”  i.  e.,  out  of  sight.  The  Christian  life  is  a hidden 
life.  Its  sources,  its  springs  are  invisible;  hence  the  life  is 
hidden.  The  world  do  not  know  of  the  Christian’s  life.  It  is  a 
mystery — the  motives,  meaning,  and  the  end  of  that  life.  In 
heaven  it  is  understood.  Worldly  men  comprehend  each  other, 
but  do  not  comprehend  the  Christian.  Jesus  said,  “Ye  are  not 
of  the  world.”  “If  ye  were  of  the  world,  the  world  would  love 
his  own.”  “The  world  knoweth  us  not  because  it  knew 
Him  not.” 

Jesus  was  not  known.  There  were  all  sorts  of  opinions 
about  Him.  They  were  all  the  time  disputing  about  Him.  He 
cared  nothing  for  their  opinions,  their  favors,  honors,  or  their 


102 


riches.  He  made  no  distinctions  on  account  of  these  things; 
considerations  which  swayed  others  had  no  influence  with  Him, 
They  stood  confounded  before  such  a life.  It  baffled  their  com- 
prehension; it  has  ever  since.  He  is  a living  mystery — the 
wonder  of  the  world.  He  moved  on  another  plane  from  theirs, 
lived  another  life,  was  governed  by  other  motives.  His  enemies 
said,  ‘‘Never  man  spake  like  this  man.’' 

So  they  stood  confounded  before  the  disciples.  Some  said 
they  were  mad;  they  were  called  crazy  and  drunk.  Some 
said,  “The  gods  had  come  down  in  the  likeness  of  men.”  Some 
said  they  were  possessed  of  evil  spirits.  Paul  said,  “Love  con- 
strains us,”  but  they  could  not  understand  that.  “They  took 
joyfully  the  spoiling  of  their  goods.”  When  they  suffered  they 
“rejoiced;”  when  they  were  whipped  they  “bore  the  marks  of 
the  Lord  Jesus;”  when  reproached  they  were  happy;  when  dying 
they  spent  their  last  breath  in  prayer  for  their  enemies.  They 
told  them  that  they  were  new  creatures;  that  what  they  once 
loved,  they  now  hated.  They  said,  “It  is  no  longer  I that  live, 
but  Christ  liveth  within  me.”  “We  no  longer  live  to  ourselves, 
but  to  Christ.”  The  world  did  not  understand  them.  They 
never  have,  nor  can.  ^‘The  natural  man  receiveth  not  the  things 
of  the  spirit  of  God,  for  they  are  foolishness  unto  him;  neither 
can  he  know  them,  for  they  are  spiritually  discerned.  ” “They 
are  not  in  the  flesh,  but  in  the  spirit.”  No  man  knoweth  the 
mind  of  God.  “Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither  have 
entered  into  the  heart  of  man  the  things  which  God  hath  pre- 
pared for  them  that  love  Him.”  “They  that  are  after  the  flesh 
mind  the  things  of  the  flesh.” 

It  is  a heavenly  life.  The  natural  man  has  no  eyes  for  it. 
dflie  spiritual  sight  is  paralyzed.  “Except  a man  be  born  again, 
he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God.”  As  soon  as  he  is  converted, 
all  is  clear. 

Converts  tell  of  their  delights.  The  world  don’t  understand 
them.  Sinners  think  religion  is  to  be  endured.  They  talk  of 
what  they  must  give  up.  They  can’t  give  u])  their  amusements. 
They  don’t  realize  that  their  tastes  will  be  changed,  if  really  con- 
verted. That  the  prayer  meeting  will  be  dearer  than  worldly 
pleasures.  They  think  it  hard  to  pray  and  to  speak  in  the 
meeting,  but  when  converted,  their  delight  is  in  these  things. 

Christians  are  partakers  of  the  Divine  nature,  as  a branch 
partakes  of  the  vine.  “He  is  our  life.”  “When  Christ,  who  is 
our  life,  shall  appear.”  It  is  Christ  in  you  that  lives.  “No 
longer  I,  but  Christ.”  “If  any  man  have  not  the  spirit  of  Christ, 
he  is  none  of  His.”  There  is  no  parallel  between  the  two.  No 
copying  of  one  from  the  other.  It  is  “Ye  in  me,  I in  you.” 
The  life  of  Jesus  is  made  manifest  in  His  body,  the  church. 


103 


His  word  falls  in  the  heart,  and  produces  His  life.  It  is  seed. 
You  plant  a seed;  it  hides  an  invisible  flower.  The  seed  of  a 
fruit  tree  contains  the  invisible  tree;  by  and  by  it  is  a tree 
loaded  with  fruit.  The  invisible  seed  or  root  determines  the 
fruit.  So  the  Christian’s  life  springs  from  the  hidden  life.  As 
you  look  at  fruit,  you  may  not  think  of  the  seed  or  root  from 
which  it  sprung. 

We  are  not  copyists.  The  life  of  the  copyist  may  resemble 
the  real  life,  as  a painted  tree  the  real  tree.  But  how  different 
the  real  tree;  its  roots  by  the  rivers,  its  leaves  green,  and 
branches  laden  with  fruit.  Some  are  copying  Christ.  Have  no 
hidden  spring  within  them.  “As  the  branch  cannot  bear  fruit  of 
itself  except  it  abide  in  the  vine;  no  more  can  ye  except  ye 
abide  in  me.” 

O,  this  abiding  in  Christ,  All  vitality  comes  from  Him;  all 
our  springs  are  in  Him;  our  lives  blend  with  His.  When  we 
labor,  “we  labor  in  the  Lord.”  When  we  walk,  we  walk  with 
the  Lord.  When  we  eat  and  drink,  it  is  in  the  Lord.  When 
we  die,  we  sleep  in  Jesus.  When  we  rise  it  is  in  Jesus,  and  to 
be  forever  with  Him. 

But  there  is  another  sense  in  which  it  is  true  that  our  life  is 
hid.  It  is  made  over  to  Christ.  He  has  received  it.  We 
commit  the  keeping  of  our  souls  to  Him  for  safety,  as  we  hide  a 
treasure  in  a secure  place.  No  one  can  obtain  it  unless  they 
get  it  from  its  hiding-place.  Men  may  rob  you  of  what  you 
have  by  you;  they  may  break  into  your  house,  or  stop  you  on 
the  highway.  But  as  you  deposit  in  a bank,  there  you  leave  it. 
So  in  the  text,  “Our  life  is  hid  with  Christ.”  He  has  it.  The 
robber  must  get  it  from  Him. 

The  text  says,  “When  He  appears,  then  shall  we  also  appear 
with  Him  in  glory.”  This  is  the  reason  the  Bible  speaks  so 
positively.  It  never  intimates  that  there  is  any  uncertainty.  “I 
know  in  whom  I have  believed.”  The  Bible  speaks  of  the 
believer  as  saved.  Calls  them  saints,  holy,  sanctified.  “Now 
are  ye  sons;”  “He  that  believeth  on  the  Son  hath  life;”  “There 
is  no  condemnation  to  them  which  are  in  Christ  Jesus;”  “There  is 
joy  in  heaven  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth;”  “None  shall  pluck 
them  out  of  my  hand;”  “Because  I live  ye  shall  live  also;”  “We 
are  kept  by  the  power  of  God;”  “I  pray  not  for  the  world,  but 
for  these  that  thou  hast  given  me.” 

The  Bible  argues  our  safety  always  from  Christ’s  ability,  and 
character,  and  position  and  purpose.  “He  is  able  to  save  to 
the  uttermost;”  “Who  shall  separate  us  from  His  love?”  “I  am 
persuaded  that  neither  heighth  nor  depth,  nor  any  other  creature 
can  separate  us  from  the  love  of  God,  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus;” 
“Who  is  he  that  condemneth  since  Christ  hath  died  for  us?”  “If 


104 


any  man  sin,  we  have  an  Advocate  with  the  Father;’’  “Oiir 
hope  is  as  an  anchor  to  the  soul,  sure  and  steadfast;”  “We  are 
sealed  with  the  Holy  Spirit  of  promise  till  the  redemption.” 
The  day  of  redemption  is  coming,  when  all  that  is  promised 
will  be  received.  He  has  promised  to  keep  us — our  life — till  he 
appears.  He  has  given  us  the  earnest — the  Holy  Spirit — as  a 
pledge.  A check  when  presented  at  the  bank  ensures  payment. 
So  the  Holy  Spirit  is  the  check  upon  the  treasures  of  heaven. 
Text  says,  “When  He  appears,  we  shall  appear  wdth  Him.” 
We  cannot  keep  ourselves.  We  have  neither  ability  nor  stability. 
If  there  was  any  dependence  on  us,  we  should  fail.  If  the  soul 
is  once  committed  to  God,  it  is  safe.  Many  profess  to  be  Christ’s, 
to  whom  He  will  say,  “I  never  knew  you.”  They  never 
renounced  self  as  dead. 

We  live  not  unto  ourselves,  but  unto  Him  that  died  for  us. 
“Whether  w'e  live,  we  live  unto  the  Lord.”  Our  life  is  identified 
with  His.  “When  He  appears,  we  shall  appear  with  Him.”  He 
is  our  life;  He  is  our  death.  His  death  is  for  us,  and  His  life 
is  for  us. 

If  God  comes  and  asks  us,  “Where  art  thou?”  and  we  can  say 
“In  Christ,”  then  “Shall  we  appear  with  Him  in  glory.”  He  is 
showing  the  glory  now  to  them  who  are  with  Him.  “Father,  I 
will  that  they  also,  whom  Thou  has  given  me,  be  with  me,  where 
I am,  that  they  may  behold  my  glory.” 

O,  the  weight  of  glory  which  awaits  us.  Words  are  heaped 
up  to  describe  it.  It  is  a weight  of  glory,  an  eternal  weight,  an 
exceeding  and  eternal  weight,  a 7tiore  exceeding,  far  7nore 
exceedmg  a7id  eteriial  weight  of  glory '' 

How  safe  we  are  when  committed  to  Christ.  “He  is  able  to 
keep  that  which  is  committed  to  Him.”  “When  He  shall  appear, 
then  shall  we  also  appear  with  Him  in  glory.” 

Now,  recognize  Christ’s  death  as  yours,  as  real. 


105 


II  Corinthians,  iv:  17,  i8:  ^\For  our  light  affliction^  which  is 
hut  for  a moment^  worketh  for  us  a far  more  exceeding  and 
eter?ial  7veight  of  glory ; while  we  look  not  at  the  things  which 
are  seen^  hut  at  the  things  udiich  are  not  see?iF 


^AFFLICTIONS  are  not  always  blessed  to  the  good  of  the 
afflicted.  They  do  not  always  work  out  glory  for  us. 
All  depends  on  where  we  are  looking.  “While  we  look 
at  the  things  which  are  unseen.”  Do  you  ask,  how 
look  on  things  that  are  unseen?  The  eye  was  made  to 
behold  visible  things.  How  see  invisible  things?  The  eye 
cannot.  It  is  material;  it  sees  only  material  objects.  You 
may  bring  a telescoi^e  to  aid  your  sight,  still  it  will  reveal  only 
material  objects.  The  microscope  only  reveals  minute  forms  of 
matter.  But  the  soul  has  an  eye  inde]:>endent  of  the  bodily  eye. 
That  may  be  sealed,  and  we  yet  see  with  the  soul’s  eye. 

Man  has  a spiritual  nature.  It  communes  with  spiritual 
things,  and  sees  spiritual  things.  The  real  man,  the  self,  is 
spiritual.  The  real  life  is  spiritual.  The  real  world  is  unseen, 
spiritual.  The  material  eye  is  temporal;  sees  only  temporal 
things.  The  material  eye  will  soon  close  in  death,  and  all  that 
is  material  will  fade  away,  but  the  spiritual  will  continue.  The 
material  heavens  will  by  and  by  be  rolled  together  as  a scroll, 
and  the  earth  and  all  therein  be  burned,  but  the  spiritual 
Heaven,  where  God  dwells  and  where  the  saints  dwell,  will 
remain. 

Men  act  as  if  they  saw  the  real;  as  if  the  unseen  was  the 
unreal.  Sin  has  made  us  carnal.  Carnal  wants  absorb  us. 
Physical  comforts  engross  our  attention.  What  shall  we  eat? 
What  shall  we  wear?  It  is  hard  to  believe  that  these  things  are 
only  shadows;  that  the  body  is  but  a casket. 

The  soul-life  has  little  attention.  God  asks,  “What  shall  it 
profit  a man  if  he  gain  the  whole  world  and  lose  his  soul?” 
Man  gathers  material  together,  stone  and  brick,  and  builds  him 
a house.  He  thinks  that  is  real.  He  does  not  realize  that  it  is 
unsubstantial;  that  he  is  building  another — character — which 
will  endure  forever.  Every  word,  act,  thought,  goes  into  that 
building.  How  little  thought  he  gives  to  that  building. 

106 


(jod  says,  lay  not  up  for  yourselves  treasures  where  you  can 
see  them,  on  earth. 

What  a man  sows,  that  shall  he  reap.  The  farmer  realizes 
this,  but  he  is  sowing  to  earthly  things,  and  he  will  rea]:> 
earthly  things.  O,  to  see  a man  bending  every  energy  for 
earthly  treasures.  How  low  is  such  a life.  Living  as  if  there 
were  no  eye  but  the  natural;  as  if  there  were  no  light  but 
the  natural  light;  living  as  if  there  were  no  Heaven. 

’Tis  sad  to  see  an  eagle  with  its  wings  broken,  walking  the 
earth,  instead  of  soaring  into  the  skies.  When  man  sinned,  he 
fell  from  spiritual  to  earthly.  His  faith  wings  were  broken. 
He  goes  trudging  along  with  his  eyes  upon  the  earth.  The 
Bible  calls  us  to  the  life  of  faith — to  live  by  faith — to  keep  the 
eye  on  things  invisible.  There  are  many  advantages  of  such  a 
life.  The  text  names  one.  “Our  light  afflictions,  etc.”  If  we 
look  at  things  not  seen,  then  afflictions  will  work  out  a weight 
of  glory  for  us.  If  we  take  our  eyes  off  from  this  world,  off 
from  our  troubles,  and  fix  them  on  unseen  things;  if  we  view 
this  life  in  its  relation  to  the  life  to  come;  this  world  in  its 
relation  to  the  unseen  world;  if  we  dwell  on  the  eternal  glory 
beyond,  these  afflictions  will  seem  light  and  but  for  a moment, 
but  if  we  look  on  this  life  as  the  all,  they  seem  heavy  and  of 
long  duration. 

He  who  uttered  the  text  could  speak  as  few  men  could. 
He  had  been  in  prison,  had  been  beaten  with  rods,  had  been 
stoned,  had  suffered  shipwreck,  had  been  in  weariness,  in 
hunger,  in  cold  and  nakedness.  He  could  name  such  a cata- 
logue of  sufferings,  yet  he  could  say  these  light  afflictions. 
What  made  them  seem  light?  He  had  an  eye  on  glory.  What 
made  them  seem  short?  “I  reckon  that  the  sufferings  of  this 
life  are  not  worthy  to  be  compared  with  the  glory  which  shall  be 
revealed.” 

The  Christian  can  take  sorrow  out  of  his  trials,  by  keeping 
his  eye  on  the  glory  beyond.  This  will  take  the  sting  all  away 
from  reproach,  calumny,  and  hate.  Keeping  the  eye  on  the 
great  glory  awaiting  us,  will  make  afflictions  seem  light.  Keep- 
ing the  eye  on  the  eternity  of  glory  will  make  them  seem  short. 
Some  have  never  learned  the  philosophy  of  happy  living, 
extracting  pleasure  from  misfortunes,  rejoicing  in  the  Lord  under 
all  circumstances,  taking  trials  as  a tonic,  a medicine  that  cures,, 
tones  up  the  system.  It  may  be  a little  bitter  in  the  lips,  but 
exhilarates  when  taken. 

The  text  don’t  say  afflictions  always  seem  light.  That 
depends  on  the  eye.  It  don’t  say  they  always  seem  short. 
That  depends  on  where  we  are  looking.  Keep  the  eye  right, 
and  all  is  working  in  our  interest. 


107 


“Look  not  at  the  things  which  are  seen,  but  at  the  things  which 
are  unseen.”  The  apostles  gloried  in  tribulation.  James  says, 
“Count  it  all  joy  when  you  fall  into  divers  temptations.” 
“Blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth  temptations.”  Only  keep 
your  eye  on  the  future  life,  and  you  can  say  “all  things  are 
ours;  whether  Paul,  or  Apollos,  or  Cephas,  or  life,  or  death,  or 
things  present,  or  things  to  come.”  O,  this  looking  at  the 
things  of  this  world  in  the  light  of  eternity.  All  depends  on 
this.  Sorrows  are  light  or  short  when  we  are  looking  Heaven- 
ward. It  is  a panacea  for  all  our  ills.  “Set  your  affections  upon 
things  above,”  “Lay  up  your  treasures  in  heaven.” 

But  notice  that  you  utilize  affliction  by  this  spiritual  sight. 
They  enrich  you.  They  are  not  Joys  themselves,  but  they  work 
out  joy.  They  work  in  your  interest  as  nothing  else  can.  The 
early  church  coveted  afflictions.  “We  glory  in  tribulations.” 
Nothing  does  so  much  for  us.  Mark  the  17th  verse:  “Our 
light  affliction,  which  is  but  for  a moment,  worketh  for  us  a far 
more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory.  ” Glory  is  unde- 
finable.  It  expresses  something  beyond  our  conception. 
Afflictions  beautify  some  here.  They  qualify  for  Heaven.  No 
crown  in  Heaven  is  brighter  than  that  worn  by  those  who  come 
up  out  of  great  tribulation. 

Then  there  will  be  rewards  to  those  who  suffer  patiently. 
The  grandest  workers  are  those  who  preach  from  beds  of 
sorrow.  No  sermons  are  so  effective.  The  highest  rewards 
are  for  such  sufferers.  The  grandest  life  is  that  which  rejoices 
in  God  in  the  midst  of  tribulation.  Music  is  always  sweetest  in 
the  night.  light  is  brightest  when  it  peers  through  rifted  clouds. 
The  grandest  sunset  is  the  cloud  reflected 

The  one  thing,  the  secret,  is  to  keep  the  eye  off  from  things 
temporal,  and  on  eternal  things.  Then  you  have  the  balances, 
and  the  weights  of  eternity  in  your  hand.  If  troubles  come, 
you  weigh  them  by  these  scales,  and  say  they  are  light.  If 
sufferings  come,  you  say  they  are  short.  You  estimate  correctly. 
This  living  in  sight  of  Heaven,  in  the  presence  of  God,  of  Christ, 
of  the  angels,  and  of  saints;  this  is  what  gives  us  correct  views 
•of  life.  We  are  to  do  everything  as  if  the  Lord  was  at  hand;  as 
if  saints  and  angels  were  looking  on. 

“Seeing  we  are  compassed  about  with  so  great  a cloud  of  wit- 
nesses, let  us  lay  aside  every  weight,  and  run  with  patience  the 
race  which  is  set  before  us.”  Run  as  if  you  knew  the  eyes  of  all 
Heaven  were  upon  you.  We  do  not  see  this  cloud  of  witnesses, 
but  they  see  us.  The  Spiritual  Kingdom  encompasses  us.  We 
are  in  it.  Did  we  realize  this,  we  should  gather  inspiration  from 
it.  God’s  hosts  are  about  us,  invisible  but  real.  When  foes 
came  on  Elisha  in  great  numbers,  he  was  not  afraid,  but  said, 

108 


“More  are  they  that  be  with  us,  than  they  that  be  against  us.” 
Elisha  had  his  spiritual  eye  open.  He  saw  the  invisible  hosts, 
chariots  of  fire,  and  horses  of  fire  about  him.  So  we  are  to  see 
God’s  hosts  about  us.  We  are  to  believe  this. 

The  spiritual  is  the  real.  How  long  will  men  be  deluded, 
and  put  temporal  things  above  the.  eternal;  natural  above  the 
spiritual;  material  above  the  immaterial;  visible  above  the  in- 
visible? How  long  walk  in  a vain  show?  Soon  we  shall  find 
that  the  invisible  world  is  the  real.  Wealth  is  not  a real 
possession.  Greatness  is  what  a man  is  in  himself,  the  invisible 
forces  of  character.  Things  that  are  coarse  enough  to  be  seen 
by  the  natural  eye,  are  not  the  real. 

The  higher  life  is  a life  of  faith;  the  higher  communion  is 
with  the  unseen;  the  higher  walk  is  the  walk  with  God. 

Bear  in  mind,  this  life  is  a preparation  for  the  future  life. 
Whatever  prepares  us  for  that  is  a blessing  to  us.  Paul  expected 
soon  to  depart  and  be  with  Christ.  This  sustained  him.  We 
are  to  draw  from  heaven  our  inspiration.  We  are  to  live  in 
heaven  now;  let  heavenly  radiance  be  shed  all  over  this  life. 
Then  we  shall  walk  in  sunshine. 

We  shall  soon  understand  the  meaning  of  the  text.  O,  to 
learn  it  before  it  is  too  late ! 


109 


M 


